Shirley Muldowney – The First Lady of Drag Racing

Shirley Muldowney is an American drag racing legend and one of the most important figures in motorsports history. She was born on June 19, 1940, in Schenectady, New York.

Muldowney began her racing career in the 1950s, starting with street racing and later moving into professional drag racing. At a time when motorsports were almost entirely dominated by men, she broke barriers and proved that women could compete at the highest level.

In 1977, Shirley Muldowney made history by becoming the first woman to win an NHRA Top Fuel championship. She repeated this achievement in 1980 and 1982, becoming a three-time NHRA Top Fuel World Champion, something very rare even among male drivers.

Her career was not without struggles. In 1984, she suffered a near-fatal crash that caused severe injuries, including broken bones and internal damage. Doctors doubted she would ever race again, but Shirley made a remarkable recovery and returned to the track, continuing to compete at the top level.

Shirley Muldowney is widely known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing.” She opened the door for women in professional motorsports and inspired generations of female racers. Her life story was later portrayed in the 1983 movie Heart Like a Wheel.

Today, she is remembered not just for her victories, but for her courage, determination, and for changing the history of drag racing forever. 🏁