Shirley Muldowney
Shirley Muldowney, also known as 'Cha Cha' and the 'First Lady of Drag Racing', is an American auto racer. She was the first woman to receive a license from the NHRA to drive a Top Fuel dragster and is a pioneering trailblazer for women in motorsports.
Shirley Roque
Auto Racing Driver
June 19, 1940
Gemini
84
Schenectady, New York
Shirley Muldowney, often referred to as “Cha Cha” and the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” is a trailblazing American auto racer. She made history as the first woman to obtain a license from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a Top Fuel dragster. Throughout her impressive career, Muldowney secured three NHRA Top Fuel championships, 18 NHRA national event victories, and became the first woman to achieve a top fuel pole position at the NHRA U.S. Nationals. She also won the World Championship in 1980. As one of the most accomplished drag racers ever, Muldowney is a pioneering figure for women in motorsports.