Drag Racing Icon Shirley Muldowney Reflects on Trailblazing Career

The 'Little Old Lady from Pasadena' talks about her pioneering path in motorsports and overcoming devastating crashes.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Shirley Muldowney, the legendary drag racer who was the first woman to compete against men in major motorsports and win, reflects on her trailblazing career at age 85. Muldowney, who won three NHRA Top Fuel championships from 1977 to 1982, discusses how she worked her way up the ladder, the devastating crashes she survived, and the lasting impact she had on the sport.

Why it matters

Muldowney paved the way for women in motorsports, regularly beating the men at their own game without any handicaps. Her story highlights the challenges she faced as a female pioneer in a male-dominated field and the perseverance required to succeed at the highest levels of drag racing.

The details

Muldowney had a long career in drag racing, starting in gas cars and semi-pros before working her way up to the Top Fuel category. She faced numerous serious crashes, including one in 1984 at 250 mph that left her with broken bones and a long recovery process. Despite the physical toll, Muldowney kept racing because it was her passion and livelihood. She is recognized today for her trailblazing achievements and the impact she had on making motorsports more inclusive for women.

  • Muldowney won three NHRA Top Fuel championships from 1977 to 1982.
  • In 1984, Muldowney had a major crash at 250 mph that left her with extensive injuries.
  • Muldowney competed at the Gator Nationals in Gainesville, Florida this past weekend at age 85.

The players

Shirley Muldowney

An 85-year-old drag racing icon who was the first woman to compete against men in major motorsports and win, racking up three NHRA Top Fuel championships from 1977 to 1982.

Don Garlits

A legendary drag racer known as 'Big Daddy' who Muldowney regularly competed against and beat.

Tom McEwen

A famous drag racer known as 'The Mongoose' who Muldowney competed against.

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What they’re saying

“I had a lot of rides before I got into a Top-Fuel car, all that I treasure - the gas cars, semi-pros, all of that. I crept up the ladder the right way. They don't always do that today. They plop them in these big cars. Maybe someone will sponsor them because they're a girl. I wish I could have done that. I just hung in there, and did it any way I could. I was able to stay out of trouble pretty much.”

— Shirley Muldowney (Forbes)

“I'm afraid of pain. I've had so much. There are a couple of deals I could do right now which would give me some relief, medical procedures, but I don't want to go through that. I'll be on meds for the rest of my life. There were the parachute hits for 33 years, the crashes - it's all caught up with me now, later in life.”

— Shirley Muldowney (Forbes)

What’s next

Muldowney plans to continue attending and being involved in drag racing events, sharing her experiences and inspiring the next generation of racers.

The takeaway

Shirley Muldowney's trailblazing career as the first woman to compete against men in major motorsports and win serves as an inspiration for breaking down barriers and pursuing one's passions, even in the face of immense challenges and risks.