Shirley Muldowney, born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont, is a pioneering figure in the world of drag racing. Known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” she broke gender barriers by becoming the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
Throughout her illustrious career, Muldowney secured three NHRA Top Fuel championships in 1977, 1980, and 1982, amassing an estimated net worth between $5 to $10 million.
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall, Muldowney’s personal life includes marriages to Jack Muldowney and later to Rahn Tobler, with whom she shares a son, John Muldowney.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shirley Ann Muldowney |
| Nickname | “First Lady of Drag Racing” |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Burlington, Vermont, USA |
| Age | 84 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Marriages | 1. Jack Muldowney (divorced) 2. Rahn Tobler (divorced) |
| Children | John Muldowney (deceased, born in 1958) |
| Occupation | Drag Racer, NHRA Champion, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $5 million to $10 million |
| Famous Achievements | 3x NHRA Top Fuel Champion (1977, 1980, 1982) |
| Notable Films | Heart Like a Wheel (1983) – Played by Bonnie Bedelia |
| Legacy | First woman to be licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster, inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame (2004) |
2. Early Life and Background of Shirley Muldowney
Shirley Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont. She grew up in Schenectady, New York. As a teenager, she loved speed and began street racing in the 1950s. At 16, she married Jack Muldowney, who built her first dragster. In 1958, she made her drag racing debut at Fonda Speedway. By 1965, she earned her National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) professional license, becoming the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster.
3. Shirley Muldowney’s Age: A Timeline of Achievements
Shirley Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont. She showed an interest in racing from a young age. By her early 20s, she was competing in local drag races.
In 1965, Shirley became the first woman to earn an NHRA license to drive a Top Fuel dragster. In 1977, at the age of 37, she won her first NHRA Top Fuel championship.
She went on to win two more championships in 1980 and 1982. These victories cemented her place in racing history. Shirley continued racing well into her 50s before retiring in 2003.
4. The Journey to Stardom: Shirley Muldowney’s Racing Career
Shirley Muldowney’s racing career began in the 1950s when she started street racing in Schenectady, New York. In 1958, she made her drag racing debut at the Fonda Speedway. By 1965, she became the first woman licensed by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a dragster.
In 1971, she won the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Southern Nationals. She stepped up to Top Fuel in 1973, becoming the first woman to do so. From 1977 to 1982, she won three NHRA Top Fuel championships. Throughout her career, she secured 18 NHRA national event victories.
5. Breaking Barriers: Shirley Muldowney’s Impact on Drag Racing
Shirley Muldowney, known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” broke significant barriers in the sport. In 1965, she became the first woman to receive a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) license to drive a Top Fuel dragster.
Muldowney’s achievements paved the way for women in motorsports, inspiring many to follow in her tire tracks.
6. How Tall is Shirley Muldowney? Exploring Her Physical Stats
Shirley Muldowney, the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall.This height is above average for women in the United States. Her stature, combined with her exceptional talent, has made her a standout figure in the world of motorsports.
7. Shirley Muldowney’s Net Worth: Racing, Endorsements, and Legacy
Shirley Muldowney, known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” has an estimated net worth of $10 million. She earned this wealth through her successful racing career, where she became a four-time Top Fuel World Champion. Beyond racing, Muldowney has appeared in films and secured various endorsements, further boosting her financial success. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the world of motorsports.
8. Inside Shirley Muldowney’s Personal Life: Relationships and Family
Shirley Muldowney’s personal life has been intertwined with her racing career. At 16, she married Jack Muldowney, who built her first dragster. They had a son, John, who later joined her racing team. After their divorce, she partnered with racer Connie Kalitta.Shirley’s family has been a significant part of her journey in drag racing.
9. Challenges and Triumphs: The Story Behind Shirley Muldowney’s Success
Shirley Muldowney faced many challenges in her racing career. As a woman in a male-dominated sport, she had to prove herself repeatedly. In 1971, she won the Southern Nationals, her first major event. In 1973, she became the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster.
She won three NHRA Top Fuel championships in 1977, 1980, and 1982. In 1984, a severe crash injured her hands, pelvis, and legs. She needed multiple surgeries and 18 months of therapy. Despite this, she returned to racing in the late 1980s. Her story shows her strength and determination.
10. Shirley Muldowney’s Legacy: Inspiring Future Generations
Shirley Muldowney, known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” has left a lasting impact on the sport. She was the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
Her dedication led her to win the NHRA Top Fuel championship three times. Muldowney’s achievements have inspired many women to pursue careers in motorsports. Her story shows that with passion and hard work, anyone can break barriers and achieve greatness.
11.Lesser-Known Facts About Shirley Muldowney
Shirley Muldowney, known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” has a remarkable history. She was the first woman to receive a license from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a Top Fuel dragster.In 1971, she won her first major event, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Southern Nationals.
In 1971, she won her first major event, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Southern Nationals.
Muldowney was also the first woman to win a major racing championship.
In 1984, she survived a severe crash that crushed her hands, pelvis, and legs, requiring multiple surgeries and 18 months of therapy.
She was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Muldowney also operates a charitable organization called Shirley’s Kids, which helps children in need in cities where drag racing is part of the community
FAQs
is shirley muldowney still alive
Yes, Shirley Muldowney is alive. As of January 2025, she is 84 years old. She remains active in the motorsports community and continues to engage with fans through her official social media accounts.
was shirley muldowney married to connie kalitta
No, Shirley Muldowney was not married to Connie Kalitta. While they had a significant professional relationship, they were never married.
who played shirley muldowney
In the 1983 biographical film Heart Like a Wheel, actress Bonnie Bedelia portrayed Shirley Muldowney.
who is shirley muldowney son?
Shirley Muldowney’s son, John Muldowney, was born to Shirley and her first husband, Jack Muldowney. John was deeply involved in the drag racing community, working on his mother’s dragsters throughout her career. He also contributed to various other teams, machine shops, and fabricators.
