Muldowney, Shirley (1940–)

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Muldowney, Shirley (1940–)

American drag racer. Name variations: Cha Cha Muldowney. Born Shirley Rocque, June 19, 1940, in Schenectady, NY; m. Jack Muldowney, 1956 (div. 1972).

Was the 1st woman to qualify for a national event in Top Fuel (1974), the 1st woman to win a National Hot Rod Association event title (1976), and the 1st woman to be selected for Auto Racing All American Team.

See also Christina Lessa, Women Who Win (Universe, 1998), and Jane Duden, Shirley Muldowney (Crestwood House, 1988); Heart Like a Wheel (113 min. film), starring Bonnie Bedelia (1982); and Women in World History.