I grew up at the race track when Shirly Muldowney was turning heads, making waves, and turning into one of the stars of NHRA drag racing. I remember NHRA Drag Racing in the 1980s, and 1990’s, and I remember her breaking barriers for women in all motorsports. She is one of the reasons that drag racing, more than any other motorsport, features so many successful women. There would be no Erica Enders, had there been no Shirley Muldowney.
In this new video from NHRA you will get a great look at Shirley, her history, and more.
And if you haven’t seen the movie Heart Like A Wheel, you should. It is the story of Shirley Muldowney’s life and was a successful movie that has some creative license but is still a great representation of her success. And it’s fun to watch!
Video Description:
Shirley is the true, unfiltered story of the inimitable Shirley Muldowney. Salty, sassy, and unflappable, Muldowney crushed stereotypes and became an integral part of the gritty, golden age of drag racing. Her aggressive approach fueled intense rivalries, passionate fan reaction, and occasional caustic headlines but never derailed her quest to be a champion. She’d be the first woman to earn a license to drive a Top Fuel dragster, first woman to win a professional racing championship, and the first driver to win three Top Fuel championships. Her journey came with great personal costs, but her perseverance proved women could race equally with men. Controversial, inspirational, and fiercely honest — there is only one Shirley, and luckily, she was up to the challenge.
