The last time Billy Glidden drove a turbocharged race car was in 2001, and he had to pull two Lenco transmission levers simultaneously in an attempt to correct an unruly, wheelstanding race car. The dramatic action barely fazed the Outlaw 10.5 car, and when the front end returned to earth, it became evident the front tires were out of balance and as a result, the windows nearly shook out. Glidden returned to the pits, parked the car and said to the car's owner, "Thanks, but no thanks. I have my car."

Glidden has a second chance to climb aboard a horse of another color as it was announced on May 25, 2016, in a joint partnership with the Harry Hruska-owned team, Precision Turbo Enterprises and Mickey Thompson Tires, the multi-time ADRL champion will replace Jonathan Gray as the driver for the pacesetting entry. 

Glidden said his cell phone has "blown up" with congratulatory phone calls ever since the news was announced, and the shop phone has been hidden away so that he and wife Shannon can finish their work for the day in the Whiteland, Ind.-based shop.

"At this point in time it’s still kind of difficult to process, so I guess until we get to a race track, and I’m actually sitting in that thing making noise, it’s still going to be difficult to think it’s going to happen,” Glidden admitted.

Glidden, who won the J&A Services crown at last season's NHRA Summernationals, will make his debut as a hired gun at the same event in two weeks.

“I still don’t feel like it’s a hired gun situation," Glidden said. "It feels more like a partnership than a hired gun quite honestly."

And until he makes the first pass, Glidden isn't sure he can fully grasp the dream situation of racing with proper funding and an adequately staffed crew. Joining him in this venture will be wife Shannon, who is considered one of the hardest workers in the Pro Modified pits. 

Glidden isn't sure if the announcement is reality or it's all a big dream. 

"It’s like winning the lottery, but not being totally sure your numbers match,” said Glidden. “I’m looking forward to people bitching about me again." 

Glidden's fierce nature as a competitor and making the most out of the least is what made him a target of criticism in those days before he headed NHRA racing. It also made him the perfect fit for the team. 

"Billy is a fierce competitor in every drag racing class he competes in," said PTE founder and president Harry Hruska. "We are so excited to have Billy behind the wheel of the PTE Pro Mod Camaro. He has the work ethic, focus and determination to win races and sets the bar high. Together with Mickey Thompson, our team is unstoppable."

"This is an incredible opportunity for us to strengthen our relationship with Mickey Thompson," continued Hruska. "In addition to offering the best tire solutions for the performance aftermarket, Mickey Thompson sets the industry standard for great relationships and customer service. We're looking forward to an incredible Pro Mod season."

"This relationship brings the best of the best together to create an NHRA Pro Mod dream team," added Tom Kundrik, Motorsports Manager for Mickey Thompson. "Billy has been racing with our tires for many years. With this incredible car and additional support from PTE, the sky is the limit."

As for Glidden, if he can keep those front tires down, he will be just fine with the ride.