The Top 10 American Racing Drivers In History

November 15, 2018

4. Shirley Muldowney

The only female driver on this list, Shirley Muldowney broke into racing and showed that it wasn’t just a boys’ club. She is known as the First Lady of Drag Racing, and with very good reason. As well as being the first woman to be licensed by the NHRA to drive a Top Fuel dragster, she also became the first person to win two, and then three Top Fuel titles, in 1977, 1980, and 1982. Due to her gender, she faced a ton of opposition from others for daring to race, with Don Garlits praising her determination and ability to go “against all odds.”

Her perseverance sprang from experience garnered over the decades. She began racing hot rods in the 1950s, with her first husband, Jack Muldowney, building the cars she raced to victory. After competing in Top Gas and Funny Car races, she raced Top Fuel in 1973, with none other than Garlits signing her application. After many, many races, she retired in 2003, and now operates a charity, Shirley’s Kids, helping children in need.

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