Shirley Muldowney, born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont, is a pioneering American drag racer renowned as the First Lady of Drag Racing. She made history in 1965 by becoming the first woman licensed by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a dragster.
Over her illustrious career, Muldowney secured three NHRA Top Fuel championships in 1977, 1980, and 1982 and amassed 18 NHRA national event victories.
As of 2024, her net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, primarily derived from her successful racing career and various sponsorships.
Early Life and Background
Shirley Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont. She grew up in New York. Her father, Belgium Benedict, was a taxicab driver and professional boxer. Her mother, Mae, worked in a laundry. As a girl, Shirley was more interested in dancing, dating, and wearing pretty clothes than in any sport.
At 16, she married Jack Muldowney, a 19-year-old drag racer. He built her first dragster.
In 1958, at 18, Shirley began competing professionally. Her first race was at the Fonda Speedway in New York.
Drag Racing Career
Shirley Muldowney began her drag racing career in 1958 at 18. She started with a car built by her husband, Jack Muldowney. In 1965, she became the first woman to obtain an NHRA license. She won her first major event, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Southern Nationals, in 1971.
In 1977, she became the first woman to win the NHRA Winston World Points Championship. She won the championship again in 1980 and 1982. Throughout her career, she achieved 18 National Championship wins and nine runner-up positions.
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Personal Life
Shirley Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont. She grew up in New York. At 16, she married Jack Muldowney, a drag racer and mechanic. Jack built her first dragster. They had a son named John. Shirley and Jack divorced in 1969. In 1988, she married Rahn Tobler, her pit boss. They divorced in 1992. Shirley has faced many challenges in her personal life. Despite this, she remains a respected figure in drag racing.
Accidents and Challenges
Shirley Muldowney faced many challenges during her racing career. In 1972, she survived a fiery crash. In 1984, she had a severe accident at 247 mph. She suffered broken bones and severe injuries. Despite these setbacks, she returned to racing each time. Her courage and determination made her a legend in drag racing.
Net Worth
Shirley Muldowney, known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” has an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million. Her wealth stems from her successful career as a drag racer, where she became the first woman to earn an NHRA Top Fuel Dragster license and won the Top Fuel World Championship four times. citeturn0search0 Additionally, she has engaged in various business ventures and endorsements throughout her career.
Age
Shirley Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont. As of December 18, 2024, she is 84 years old.
Eduction
Shirley Muldowney, born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont, began street racing in the 1950s in Schenectady, New York. She dropped out of high school at age sixteen and married Jack Muldowney, a drag racer and mechanic, in 1956.
Legacy and Influence
Shirley Muldowney, known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” has left a lasting impact on the world of motorsports. In 1965, she became the first woman to receive an NHRA Top Fuel Dragster license, breaking significant gender barriers in the sport.
Throughout her career, Muldowney achieved remarkable success, including winning the NHRA Top Fuel World Championship four times. Her accomplishments have inspired countless individuals, especially women, to pursue careers in motorsports. Beyond her racing achievements, Muldowney’s legacy continues to influence the world of motorsports, showcasing the power of breaking down gender barriers. citeturn0search0
For a more detailed look at Shirley Muldowney’s life and career, you might find the following video insightful:
People also ask
What happened to Shirley Cha Cha Muldowney?
Shirley Muldowney, also known as Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, remains active in the motorsports community as a respected figure in drag racing. She continues to be an inspiration to many, despite the challenges she faced throughout her career.
Why do they call Shirley Muldowney Cha Cha?
She earned the nickname “Cha Cha” during her early days in the racing community. It became a part of her personal and professional identity in the drag racing world.
What happened to Shirley Muldowney’s son?
Shirley Muldowney’s son, John Muldowney, has supported his mother through her racing endeavors. He remains part of the drag racing community and continues to uphold Shirley’s legacy.
Did Shirley pass away?
No, Shirley Muldowney is still alive. She remains an influential figure in motorsports and continues to inspire young racers worldwide.
Is movie Shirley a true story?
Yes, the movie Shirley is based on Shirley Muldowney’s life and achievements as a drag racer, showcasing her struggles and triumphs in a male-dominated sport.
Why did Shirley divorce Conrad?
There are no significant records of a relationship with someone named Conrad. Shirley’s known relationships include her marriage to Jack Muldowney and her later marriage to Rahn Tobler.
What is the plot of Shirley?
The movie Shirley follows Shirley Muldowney’s journey as she fights to become a successful drag racer in a male-dominated environment. It highlights her resilience, achievements, and the obstacles she overcame.
Why is it called Hangsaman?
There’s no known association between Shirley Muldowney and a project or title called Hangsaman. You may need to provide more context to clarify this reference.
Conclusion
Shirley Muldowney, known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” remains an iconic figure in motorsports history. She broke barriers as the first woman to earn an NHRA Top Fuel license and achieved multiple championships in a male-dominated sport. Despite facing numerous challenges, including accidents and personal struggles, Shirley’s resilience and determination inspired countless individuals, especially women, to pursue careers .