In the testosterone-fueled world of drag racing, where burning rubber and roaring engines define the landscape, one woman shattered the glass ceiling, leaving a trail of broken records and blazing tracks in her wake. Shirley Muldowney, the undisputed queen of drag racing, not only conquered the strip but also defied societal norms, paving the way for a generation of fearless women in motorsports.
A Life in the Fast Lane
Shirley Muldowney’s journey to the top was as audacious as her dragster’s thunderous roar. Born in Schenectady, New York, Muldowney’s early life was far from the high-octane world she would later dominate. It wasn’t until the mid-1960s that she traded the mundane for the exhilarating, stepping into the male-dominated realm of drag racing.
Muldowney’s initiation into the sport wasn’t without its challenges. At a time when women were relegated to the pits rather than the driver’s seat, Muldowney was relentless in her pursuit of speed. The drag strip became her proving ground, and she quickly earned a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Heart Like a Wheel
Directed by Jonathan Kaplan, ‘Heart Like a Wheel’ immortalised Muldowney’s indomitable spirit on the silver screen, with the stunning Bonnie Bedelia portraying the drag racing maverick. The film delved into the triumphs and tribulations of Muldowney’s career, offering a glimpse into the relentless pursuit of her passion against a backdrop of gender bias and scepticism.
The movie captured Muldowney’s meteoric rise in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), where she earned the moniker “Cha Cha” for her fiery personality and fearless driving. The narrative showcased her battles both on and off the track, revealing a woman unapologetically pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable for a female athlete in the 1960s and 1970s.
‘Heart Like a Wheel’ was a cinematic declaration of Muldowney’s audacity, emphasising not only her prowess behind the wheel but also her defiance of societal norms. It was a rallying cry for women with a need for speed, inspiring a generation to break free from the confines of convention.
Ken Friedman’s sensitively drawn script portrays the personal struggles and stages in Muldowney’s against-the-odds career. Bonnie Bedelia faithfully portrayed Shirley’s growth through a three-dimensional lens – her role as a mother, her miniskirted “Cha Cha” phase and her eventual acceptance as a winning and deserving professional.
To describe ‘Heart Like a Wheel’ as all plot – which, in one way, it is – would miss all the rich reflectiveness that goes on in and across its story: its exemplary populist feminism; its balancing of Shirley’s affection for her biological father along with her struggle with all the symbolic fathers on the track (‘Big daddy’ Garlits, officials … ); its extraordinary sketch of familial joys and tensions, crack-ups and redemptions; it’s almost epic novelistic sense of time moving, leaving no small amount of interpersonal failure in its wake.
This film does not spotlight the couple, not even with the few precious shards of the family that remain. The movie’s most special and intense moments are those that show Shirley’s absolute autonomy and solitude, moments always isolated and emphasised in the mise en scène. The most the film expects from relationships and friendships is a unique kind of empathy, free from the ravages of time.
Muldowney’s Gravity-Defying Career
In 1973, she clinched her first NHRA Top Fuel championship, making her the first woman to secure a major racing title. This triumph wasn’t just a win for Muldowney; it was a seismic shift in the landscape of motorsports.
Her pursuit of excellence continued in 1977 when she became the first woman to win the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals. This historic victory sent shockwaves through the racing world, challenging the preconceived notions of gender roles in a sport dominated by men. Muldowney’s relentless pursuit of excellence shattered not only speed barriers but also the glass ceiling that had confined women to the sidelines for far too long.
Muldowney’s career reached its zenith in the late 1970s, but not without its share of setbacks. A horrific crash in 1984 left her with life-threatening injuries, including fractures to her legs, pelvis, and hands. However, true to her ballsy spirit, Muldowney defied medical odds and staged a remarkable comeback, proving that no obstacle could keep her away from the drag strip.
Legacy on the Track
Shirley Muldowney’s audacity transcended the confines of a dragster cockpit; it reverberated through the hearts of aspiring female racers around the world. Her legacy is not just the records she shattered but the barriers she dismantled, opening the doors for a new era of female racers who dared to dream beyond the boundaries set by tradition.
Muldowney’s impact extends beyond the track, as she continues to be an outspoken advocate for women in motorsports. Her life story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and unapologetic boldness. In a world where speed is measured in seconds, Muldowney’s journey from an unknown drag racer to a trailblazing icon is a timeless narrative of triumph against the odds.
The Drag Racing Queen’s Enduring Relevance
As we reflect on Shirley Muldowney’s inspiring journey, her impact is undeniable. Her story remains a rallying cry for those who dare to challenge the status quo, a reminder that audacity knows no gender and that the pursuit of passion can break down even the most formidable barriers. On that note, let’s take a quick look at the timeline that encapsulates her thunderous career:
1975
The first woman member of the 10-person Auto Racing All-American team by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association.
1976
Named Drag News Top Fuel Driver of the Year and voted to the Auto Racing All-American Team for the second time.
1977
Won the NHRA Winston World points championship, becoming the First woman to claim drag racing’s most prestigious title.
1980
Won the NHRA Winston World Points championship for the second time.
1981
Won the AHRA world championship and was voted to the Auto Racing All-American team for the fifth time.
1982
Won the NHRA Winston points championship, becoming the first person to claim drag racing’s most prestigious title three times. She was voted to the Auto Racing All-American Team for the fifth time.
1990
Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.
2001
Ranked number five on the National Hot Rod Association’s 50th Anniversary list of its Top 50 Drivers, 1951-2000.
2004
Inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
2005
Inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
2023
At 83, Shirley remains actively involved with the NHRA.