This article delves into Shirley Muldowney’s incredible life, including her net worth, early life, personal life, and more. Muldowney’s achievements as a pioneering figure in professional drag racing have left an everlasting effect on the sport.
While her net worth is approximately $5 Million, her excellent career and countless accomplishments have undoubtedly contributed to her financial prosperity. We also learn about her childhood, showcasing her love of racing and ambition to break down obstacles.
We also discuss her life, including overcoming obstacles and her lasting influence as a role model for aspiring racers. Join us in honoring Shirley Muldowney’s outstanding accomplishments and impact on the world of drag racing.
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Net Worth
Shirley Muldowney is an American-based race car driver with an estimated net worth of $5 million. Shirley Muldowney made her successful worldwide known for her street racing in Schenectady, New York, in the 1950s.
She made her racing debut at Fonda Speedway in 1958 and earned her NHRA pro license in 1965. She raced in a twin-engine dragster in the 1969 and 1970 US Nationals in Top Gas. Muldowney shifted to Funny vehicle as Top Gas fell out of favor, and she purchased her first vehicle from Connie Kalitta.
| Full Name | Shirley Muldowney |
| Other Name | “Cha Cha” and the “First Lady of Drag Racing” |
| Birthplace | Burlington, Vermont, United States |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1940 |
| Age | 83 Years Old |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Height | N/A |
| Occupation | American race car driver |
| Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Movies | Wheels of Fire, Burnout, Shirley Muldowney: Behind the Wheel |
Early Life & Personal Life
Shirley Muldowney, born on June 19, 1940, is an esteemed American drag racer recognized by the name “Cha Cha” and the “First Lady of Drag Racing.” When she was 16, she married Jack Muldowney, who constructed her first dragster.
She is the first woman to be licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Shirley’s remarkable achievements include winning the NHRA Top Fuel championship on three occasions in 1977, 1980, and 1982, making her the inaugural individual to accomplish this feat. In total, she secured victory in an impressive 18 NHRA national races.
| Eye color | Black |
| Weight | N/A |
| Height | N/A |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Nationality | American |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Belgium Benedict Roque, Mae Roque |
| Children | John Muldowney |
| Spouse | Rahn Tobler (m. 1988–2006), Jack Muldowney (m. 1956–1972) |
Career
Shirley , born in 1940, began street racing in Schenectady, New York in the 1950s. She made her racing debut at Fonda Speedway in 1958 and earned her NHRA pro license in 1965. She raced in a twin-engined dragster in the 1969 and 1970 US Nationals in Top Gas. Muldowney shifted to Funny vehicle as Top Gas fell out of favor, and she purchased her first vehicle from Connie Kalitta.
Muldowney won her first big race, the Southern Nationals of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) 1971. She became the first woman to compete in Top Fuel in 1973. From 1973 to 1977, she competed in match races as the Bounty Hunter alongside Connie Kalitta. Muldowney dominated Peak Fuel in 1976, qualifying first by 0.05 seconds, setting the meet’s lowest ET and peak speed, having the lowest ET in every round, breaking her top speed record in the final, and winning the class.
Muldowney won three NHRA Top Fuel Dragster world titles in 1977, 1980, and 1982. A car accident in 1984 shattered her hands, pelvis, and legs, requiring six procedures and 18 months of treatment. She returned to the track in the late 1980s and raced in IHRA competition and match racing during the 1990s.
Fred Farndon characterized Muldowney as the “best ‘natural’ driver (top fuel or funny car).” Her most recent endeavors include narrating Shirley Muldowney’s autobiography, Tales from the Track.
Summary
Shirley Muldowney, a pioneer in professional drag racing, has led an inspirational life on and off the track. While particular estimates for Muldowney’s net worth is approximately $5 million, her extraordinary career and various accomplishments have undoubtedly contributed to her financial prosperity.
Her early life, which began on June 19, 1940, was defined by a passion for racing and a resolve to break down boundaries in a male-dominated sport. Muldowney’s personal life has been filled with triumphs against adversity, including a significant accident and fights with health concerns. Her determination and resilience have made her a role model for aspiring racers, and her contribution to the sport is still being recognized.
