Shirley Muldowney, the legendary “First Lady of Drag Racing,” has made an indelible mark on motorsports history with her groundbreaking achievements and pioneering spirit.
Rising from street racing in Schenectady to becoming a three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion, Muldowney’s journey showcases her exceptional talent and determination in a male-dominated sport. With a current net worth of $10 million, her success extends beyond the racetrack through sponsorships, endorsements, and media appearances.
From her early marriage at 16 to her triumphant return after a near-fatal crash in 1984, Muldowney’s personal life intertwines with her professional achievements to create an inspiring story of resilience.
Now at 84, she continues to influence the racing world through her social media presence and mentorship, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires future generations of racers regardless of gender.
Profile Summary of Shirley Muldowney
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Shirley Muldowney (née Roque) |
| Famous As | “First Lady of Drag Racing,” “Cha-Cha“ |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Burlington, Vermont |
| Current Age | 84 Years (as of 2024) |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 62 KG (136 pounds) |
| Parents | Belgium Benedict Roque (Father), Mae Roque (Mother) |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Spouses | Jack Muldowney (1956-1982), Rahn Tobler (1986-2006) |
| Children | John Muldowney (1958-2017) |
| Profession | Professional Drag Racer, Motorsports Icon |
| Career Start | 1958 at Fonda Speedway |
| Major Achievements | 3-time NHRA Top Fuel Champion (1977, 1980, 1982) |
| Total NHRA Wins | 18 Career Victories |
| Net Worth | $10 Million (2024) |
| Current Residence | Huntersville, North Carolina |
| Social Media | Facebook: @ShirleyMuldowney |
| Instagram: @shirley_muldowney_official | |
| Twitter: @shirlmuldowney |
Who Is Shirley Muldowney?
Shirley Muldowney is a pioneering drag racer who revolutionized motorsports by becoming the first woman to receive an NHRA license for drag racing.
Known by her nickname “Cha-Cha,” she earned respect in a male-dominated sport through her exceptional skill and determination.
Her achievements include becoming the first woman to win a Top Fuel Championship, establishing her as a true pioneer in professional racing.
Shirley Muldowney Bio
Born as Shirley Roque in Burlington, Vermont, Muldowney developed an early passion for speed and competition.
Her racing career began in the late 1950s, leading to multiple championships and records in professional drag racing.
She competed professionally for over four decades, overcoming significant challenges including a near-fatal crash in 1984. Her resilience and dedication transformed her into an iconic figure in motorsports history.
Shirley Muldowney Personal Life
Shirley’s personal life intertwines deeply with her racing career. Her relationships often centered around the racing community, including a significant partnership with fellow racer Connie Kalitta.
The racing lifestyle shaped her personal choices and relationships, creating a unique blend of professional achievement and personal growth.
Her resilience through personal challenges, including serious injuries and family loss, demonstrates her remarkable strength.
Shirley Muldowney Early Life And Education
Shirley spent her formative years in Schenectady, New York, where her fascination with automobiles began.
Growing up in a working-class family, she attended local schools but found her true education on the streets, learning about cars and racing.
Her father, Belgium Benedict Roque, and mother, Mae Roque, supported her unconventional interests, though they likely never imagined their daughter would become a racing legend.
Shirley Muldowney Age
Born on June 19, 1940, Shirley Muldowney has lived through numerous transformations in motorsports. At 84 years old as of 2024, she represents over six decades of racing history.
Her age stands as a testament to her endurance and the evolution of drag racing from its early days to the modern era.
How Much Is Shirley Muldowney Net Worth?
| Aspect | Details |
| Shirley Muldowney Net Worth | Approximately $10 million (as of 2024) |
| Primary Income Sources | Racing career, sponsorships, public speaking, media appearances |
| Yearly Income | Estimated at $500,000 per year |
| Monthly Income | Around $42,000 per month |
| Daily Income | Approximately $1,400 per day |
| Major Financial Milestones | Multiple NHRA championships, media deals, brand endorsements |
| Key Revenue Stream | Shirley’s success in the NHRA and drag racing events, including her iconic career achievements |
| Sponsorships and Endorsements | Contributed significantly to her financial success through partnerships with top racing brands |
| Post-Racing Career | Income from writing books, motivational speaking, and social media influence |
Shirley Muldowney Husband And Children
Marriage came early for Shirley when she wed Jack Muldowney at age 16. Their union produced a son, John, born in 1958.
Jack introduced her to drag racing, fundamentally changing her life’s trajectory. After their divorce, she married Rahn Tobler in 1986, finding both a life partner and a skilled crew chief.
Tragically, she experienced the profound loss of her son John in 2017, a personal tragedy that deeply affected her.
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Shirley Muldowney Height And Weight
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and maintaining a weight of 62 kilograms, Muldowney’s physical stature never limited her racing abilities.
Her size proved advantageous in drag racing, where quick reflexes and precise control matter more than physical strength.
She maintained her fitness throughout her career, understanding the importance of physical condition in professional racing.
Shirley Muldowney Achievements
| Achievement | Year | Description |
| First Woman to Earn NHRA Top Fuel License | 1973 | Muldowney became the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster by the National Hot Rod Association. |
| First Woman to Win NHRA National Event | 1976 | She made history by winning an NHRA national event, paving the way for women in competitive drag racing. |
| NHRA Top Fuel Champion | 1977, 1980, 1982 | Shirley won the prestigious NHRA Top Fuel Championship three times, a major milestone in her career. |
| International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Southern Nationals Winner | 1971 | Muldowney claimed her first major victory at the IHRA Southern Nationals, solidifying her place in motorsports. |
| First Woman to Break the 6.00-Second Barrier | 1975 | She broke the 6.00-second barrier in drag racing, a testament to her skill and innovation in the sport. |
| Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame | 2005 | Muldowney was inducted for her groundbreaking contributions to motorsports, especially for women in racing. |
| Career Wins in NHRA | 18 | Shirley secured 18 career victories in the NHRA, further cementing her status as a top driver. |
| Retirement from Motorsports | 2003 | After decades of success, Shirley retired, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer for women in drag racing. |
Shirley Muldowney Career
Muldowney’s professional journey began at Fonda Speedway in 1958. Her breakthrough moment came in 1973 when she secured her Top Fuel license, making history as the first woman to achieve this milestone.
Throughout her career, she faced and overcame significant opposition from traditional racing circles. Her skill behind the wheel silenced critics and earned respect across the racing community.
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Shirley Muldowney Social Media Appearance
| Platform | Username/Handle | Content Shared | Followers/Reach |
| @ShirleyMuldowney | Personal updates, racing career highlights, and fan interactions | Over 50,000 followers | |
| @shirley_muldowney_official | Behind-the-scenes photos, event highlights, personal life moments | Over 30,000 followers | |
| @shirlmuldowney | Race-related updates, personal thoughts, and motivational posts | 10,000+ followers | |
| YouTube | N/A | Rare video content from events and interviews | N/A |
| Social Media Engagement | Active across all platforms | Shares insights into her life, motorsport advocacy, and historical moments in drag racing | Engages with thousands of fans regularly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shirley Muldowney’s most significant racing achievement?
Becoming the first woman to win the NHRA Top Fuel Championship in 1977, followed by two more championships in 1980 and 1982.
How did Shirley Muldowney start her racing career?
She began street racing as a teenager in Schenectady, New York, before obtaining her NHRA license in 1965.
What major accident impacted Shirley Muldowney’s career?
She survived a near-fatal crash in Montreal in 1984, requiring multiple surgeries but returned to racing afterward.
Who were Shirley Muldowney’s significant racing partners?
Jack Muldowney introduced her to racing, and Connie Kalitta became an important racing partner and mentor.
What is Shirley Muldowney doing now?
She remains active in the racing community through appearances, social media engagement, and mentoring young racers.
Conclusion
Shirley Muldowney’s legacy extends far beyond her racing achievements. As a pioneering female racer, she transformed motorsports by proving that talent knows no gender barriers. Her journey from street racing to becoming a three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion demonstrates the power of determination and skill.
Today, her influence continues through the countless female racers she inspired and the lasting changes she brought to professional racing. Muldowney’s story remains a testament to breaking barriers and achieving excellence in the face of adversity.
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