Shirley Muldowney, often called the First Lady of Drag Racing, broke barriers in a sport dominated by men. Known for her fearless spirit and incredible skill, she became the first woman to earn an NHRA Top Fuel license.
Her journey wasn’t easy; she faced countless challenges, including skepticism and adversity but her determination never wavered. With multiple championships and an enduring legacy, Shirley Muldowney paved the way for future generations of women in motorsports.
Her story is one of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in the high-speed world of drag racing.
Where did Shirley Muldowney’s racing journey begin?
Shirley Muldowney’s racing journey began in the streets of Schenectady, New York. As a teenager, she developed a passion for speed, driving hot rods around her neighborhood.
Her love for cars led her to drag racing, where she began competing in local events during the late 1950s. It was her determination and fearless attitude that set her apart from others in the male-dominated racing scene.
Muldowney’s Entry into Drag Racing
In 1958, Shirley made her official drag racing debut behind the wheel of a Chevrolet coupe. She quickly climbed the ranks, earning respect for her skill and composure on the track.
In 1965, she became the first woman to obtain an NHRA license, breaking barriers in the sport and paving the way for other female racers.
Shirley Muldowney and Connie Kalitta
Shirley Muldowney formed a professional and personal relationship with drag racer Connie Kalitta in the 1960s. Known as the “Bounty Hunter,” Kalitta became her mentor and partner, helping her transition into Top Fuel drag racing.
Was Shirley Muldowney Married to Connie Kalitta?
No, Shirley Muldowney and Connie Kalitta were never married. Although they had a close romantic relationship and raced together, they eventually parted ways.
Shirley Muldowney’s horrific accident
Shirley Muldowney faced a career-defining moment in 1984 during a qualifying run in Canada. Her Top Fuel dragster suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure at over 250 mph, leading to a horrific crash.
She sustained severe injuries, including a broken pelvis, legs, and hands, requiring numerous surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation. Despite this setback, her unbreakable spirit and passion for drag racing brought her back to the sport, solidifying her legacy as one of the toughest figures in motorsports history.
Is Shirley Muldowney Still Alive, and Where Is She Now?
Yes, Shirley Muldowney is still alive and remains a celebrated figure in the drag racing world. Although she retired from competitive racing in 2003, she continues to inspire by attending motorsport events, granting interviews, and advocating for women in racing. Today, she enjoys a quieter life, cherishing her role as a trailblazer in NHRA history.
How Old Is She?
Born on June 19, 1940, Shirley Muldowney is currently 84 years old. Her enduring story of breaking barriers in the drag racing industry serves as an inspiration for fans and future racers alike.
What is Shirley Muldowney Net Worth?
Shirley Muldowney’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million to $5 million. Her wealth primarily stems from her legendary career in drag racing, where she won numerous championships, including three NHRA Top Fuel titles in 1977, 1980, and 1982.
Beyond racing, Shirley earned additional income through sponsorships, endorsements, and her role in popularizing the sport. Her life and career were also immortalized in the biographical film “Heart Like a Wheel”, further contributing to her financial success.
Although retired, Shirley occasionally participates in motorsport events and public appearances, keeping her legacy alive. Her net worth reflects her impact as a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of drag racing, inspiring generations of racers worldwide.
Shirley Muldowney Yearly Income, Monthly Income and Daily Income
While Shirley Muldowney’s exact income figures aren’t publicly available, her earnings during her racing career came from race winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements. As a three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion, her success brought significant financial rewards, but it’s worth noting that racing in her era didn’t offer the same lucrative deals as today.
Below is an estimated breakdown of Shirley Muldowney’s potential income based on averages for top racers during her time:
| Income Category | Estimated Amount |
| Yearly Income | $100,000–$300,000 (during peak career) |
| Monthly Income | $8,000–$25,000 |
| Daily Income | $260–$830 |
These figures are approximations, considering her race wins, sponsorship deals, and media appearances. After retiring, her income shifted to event appearances, interviews, and merchandise sales.
Though modest compared to modern racers, Shirley Muldowney’s earnings reflected her trailblazing career, which opened doors for future generations of female racers in motorsports.
At a Glance about Shirley Muldowney
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Shirley Ann Muldowney |
| Nickname | First Lady of Drag Racing |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Schenectady, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Drag Racer |
| Racing Debut | 1958 |
| Major Achievements | 3x NHRA Top Fuel Champion (1977, 1980, 1982) |
| Notable Relationship | Connie Kalitta (Mentor and Partner) |
| Famous Accident | 1984, Canada (Severe injuries) |
| Retirement | 2003 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1–$5 million |
| Current Status | Retired, occasionally attends events |
| Age | 84 years (as of 2024) |
| Legacy | Pioneer for women in drag racing |
This table highlights key facts about Shirley Muldowney’s extraordinary life and career.
Early Years and Family
Shirley Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940, in Schenectady, New York. She grew up in a working-class family, where her love for cars and racing began at a young age. Her father, a car enthusiast, influenced her passion for vehicles.
Shirley’s family was supportive, and this encouragement allowed her to pursue her dream of racing, despite the challenges women faced in motorsports.
Shirley Muldowney Husband
Shirley was married twice. Her first husband was Jack Muldowney, whom she married in the early 1960s. They later divorced, but they had a son together.
She later married Connie Kalitta, a fellow drag racer and mentor. While their relationship was professional and personal, they did not stay married for long.
Educational Qualifications
Shirley Muldowney did not attend college, as her focus was always on racing and developing her skills on the track. She was a self-taught driver, learning through experience and mentorship from seasoned racers.
Professional Life
Shirley’s professional racing career took off in the late 1950s when she entered drag racing competitions. In 1977, she made history by becoming the first woman to win a Top Fuel championship, a title she defended in 1980 and 1982, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in motorsports.
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Age, Height, Weight
| Category | Details |
| Age | 84 years (as of 2024) |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 130 lbs (59 kg) |
This table provides a quick overview of Shirley Muldowney’s basic physical statistics.
Shirley Muldowney Social profiles
| Platform | Profile/Link |
| Shirley Muldowney Facebook | |
| No official account, but fan pages share updates. | |
| Fan pages post tributes and racing moments. | |
| Official Website | Shirley Muldowney Official Website |
This table provides an overview of Shirley Muldowney’s social presence and where fans can connect with her legacy.
CONCLUSION:
Shirley Muldowney’s remarkable journey as drag racing’s first lady continues to inspire generations of fans and racers. From her groundbreaking achievements to her resilience in the face of adversity, she proved that passion and determination can break barriers.
Although retired, her legacy in motorsports remains strong, and her story serves as a beacon for future women in racing. Shirley’s contributions have solidified her place as a true icon in the history of drag racing.
People also ask
Is Shirley Muldowney still married?
No, Shirley Muldowney is not currently married. She has been married twice, first to Jack Muldowney and later to Connie Kalitta.
Why did Shirley Muldowney retire?
Shirley Muldowney retired from drag racing in 2003 due to physical challenges and the desire to step back after a long and successful career.
How old is Shirley Muldowney?
Shirley Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940, making her 84 years old as of 2024.
What happened to Shirley Muldowney’s son John?
Shirley Muldowney’s son, John Muldowney, tragically passed away in 2009 due to a car accident.
