A lot of classic Pro Stock fans will be happy next month, and they can thank second-generation drag racer Billy Glidden and his sentimental gesture.

Glidden will enter the 2017 NHRA J&A Pro Modified Series with the same Mustang he's run for nearly a decade, but with a new look.

Glidden, who is sponsored by Mickey Thompson Tires, has his seasoned nitrous-injected Mustang adorned in the same stars and stripes scheme his father Bob Glidden made famous in the 1970s. Longtime Glidden crewman J.R. Heuring applied the memorable scheme. 

"It’s just a tribute to Mom and Dad," said Glidden, whose mother Etta served as crew chief back in the day. "Dad got a bit emotional when it was sitting outside on an open trailer a few days ago when it got here. They both got kind of emotional."

The iconic red, white, blue and stars scheme dates back to the 1970s when Glidden partnered with Bob Allen, a service manager at Ed Martin Ford.

Glidden ran this scheme up until 1978 when he just went red, white and blue with the undefeated '78 Ford Fairmont.

The paint scheme works well within the mantra of sponsor Mickey Thompson in recognizing legends. The veteran tire and wheel manufacturer has been a godsend for the Glidden family.

In addition to being a sponsored entry, Glidden also serves as an important component in their testing procedures.

"We’re still enjoying be able to push the boundaries with all the, we’ve already done a tire test," Glidden said. "It lasted for nine days. We’ve already done a tire test with them this year.

"We’re working on the next evolution of possibly what are things to come down the road. So, we’re very fortunate and very grateful to be working with Mickey Thompson."

And to hear Glidden, he's also grateful to give back to a couple who have done so much for him - Bob and Etta Glidden.