I have had the good fortune to spend some quality time with Shirley Muldowney over the last few years on the NHRA tour. She is an awesome lady with stories for days and obviously the credentials to back them up.
Shirley’s lasting legacy in the sport is forever centered around her successes, her hard nosed attitude, and her unwavering desire to win and do so on her own terms. In 1986 Shirley’s driving star was still burning brightly and she was still recovering rom a horrifying wreck during an NHRA race in Montreal more than a year earlier. Her pelvis, legs, and ankles were torn to shreds. Many thought that she would never race again. Many thought wrong.
There are two distinct parts to this appearance. The first is the traditional interview and it is good but not too earth-shattering. The second part is cool because Carson challenges her to a drag race on gold carts behind the studio. We’re not going to give away the outcome of this one so you’ll have to watch yourself.
Shirley is more reserved in this interview than she would be if the same scenario were playing out today. Her outspoken nature is enduring to many but it has been polarizing over the years. She’ll still feud with Garlits even to this day and she is never lacking for opinions. Hard nosed and hard driving. That’s Shirley Muldowney.
