Over the past two years, one of the greatest names in the history of drag racing has made two attempts to return to the sport in differing capacities.

Bob Glidden, the legendary 10-time Pro Stock champion, made a comeback last year that was orchestrated by his close friend, engine builder Steve Schmidt, who put Glidden behind the wheel of one of his Pontiac Grand Ams. The comeback ended at last year's Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla.

This year, Glidden accepted the role of crew chief with Mark Pawuk on his Summit Racing Grand Am, bringing a wealth of tuning and setup experience to an operation which failed to win a single round of racing in 2002.

That arrangement came to an abrupt halt last week in Las Vegas at the event, which like Pawuk's Pontiac, is sponsored by Summit Racing.

Following the third qualifying session last Saturday, Glidden left the team. According to Pawuk, who spoke about the incident during qualifying for this weekend's O'Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park, there were some differences of opinion between Glidden, Pawuk, and members of the team which led to the split.

"I can't say enough about Bob," Pawuk said moments after the veteran driver ran a 6.75/203 -- both career-bests -- to qualify No. 9 in the record-quick Pro Stock field.

"I'm sorry it didn't work out with him but he was the main man on his own team for all of those years he was winning championships," he said. "This was a new arrangement for him and when you have differences on so many issues on how a race car should be run, it has an effect on your performance. I think Bob knew this wasn't working and he decided to leave. But I appreciate his hard work and dedication while he was here."

After a disappointing 2002, Pawuk is hoping to rebound and find a competitive combination that can keep him in the game as the Pro Stock class continues to display sensational performance and gives any number of drivers the opportunity to score a victory at any given race.

"We really need to put last year behind us," Pawuk said. "No driver wants to admit they didn't win a round over the course of 23 races and it's important to focus on where we are today. Nothing can erase those memories quicker than winning and I think we are getting closer step by step."

For Glidden, who couldn't be reached for comment, it will be interesting to see if he decides to remain in retirement or tries yet again to re-enter the NHRA Pro Stock ranks.