Shirley Muldowney Net Worth, Personal & Professional Life, Family, Biography, Career, And More

Shirley Muldowney is known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing.” She is an American race car driver and drag racer who broke barriers and paved the way for women in a male-dominated sport. Muldowney was the first woman to win the NHRA Top Fuel Championship. Her career was filled with challenges and triumphs.

In this article, I will explore Shirley Muldowney net worth, along with insights into her personal and professional life, her family background, biography, and career milestones. Join me as we celebrate the achievements of a pioneer in drag racing and her lasting impact on the sport.

Who Is Shirley Muldowney?

Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940. She is known as the First Lady of Drag Racing. As an American race car driver, she broke barriers in a male-dominated sport. Shirley made history by being the first woman to win an NHRA national event. Her passion and skill inspired many young female racers.

Muldowney earned the nickname “Cha-Cha” due to her lively personality and fierce determination on the track. She gained a reputation for beating her male competitors consistently. She also appeared in movies. Shirley’s legacy continues as a symbol of empowerment for women in motorsports today.

Shirley Muldowney Bio

Real Name	Shirley Muldowney
Nick Name	“First Lady of Drag Racing,” “Cha-Cha”
Date of birth	June 19, 1940
Place of birth	Burlington, Vermont.
Profession	American race car driver, Drag racer, Movie actress
Zodiac sign	Gemini
Shirley Muldowney Age	84 Years
Height	5,6″
Weight	62 KG
Husbands	Jack Muldowney (first husband, married at 16, later divorced), Rahn Tobler
Children	John Muldowney
Siblings	N/A
Parents	Belgium Benedict Roque, Mae Roqu
Debut season	1958
Championships	Three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion (1977, 1980, 1982)
Shirley Muldowney Net worth	Approximately $10 million

Early Life And Education

Shirley Muldowney was born to Belgian parents, Benedict and Mae Roque in 1940 in Burlington, Vermont. She spent her early years in Schenectady, New York. She attended local schools where her love for speed began to blossom. At 16 years old, Shirley earned her driver’s license.

With that newfound freedom, she quickly got into street racing. This activity sparked her passion for motorsports. Shirley’s early experiences on the streets laid the foundation for an impressive racing career.

Shirley Muldowney Age

Muldowney was born on June 19, 1940. This makes her 84 years old as of December 2024. She is a pioneer in the world of drag racing. Muldowney is famous for being the first woman to earn a license to race top-fuel dragsters.

Personal Life 

Shirley Muldowney has been married two times. Jack Muldowney introduced her to the world of drag racing. Throughout her career, she had a long-term relationship with fellow racer Connie Kalitta.

In 1984, Shirley faced a life-changing moment when she survived a near-fatal crash in Quebec, Canada. This experience strengthened her resolve to succeed in motorsports. As one of the first women to obtain an NHRA pro license in 1965, she became an advocate for women racers everywhere. She resides in Huntersville, North Carolina. Shirley faced the tragedy of her son John’s death in 2017 at the age of 59. This loss deeply affected her.

Shirley Muldowney Husband And Children

Muldowney married Jack Muldowney in 1956 when she was 16. He was 19 at the time. They had a son, John, born in 1958, the same year Shirley started racing at Fonda Speedway. Their marriage didn’t last, and they separated in 1982.

In 1986, Shirley found companionship with Rohn Tobler. He supported her racing career and became an important part of her life. Rohn passed away in 2006. Throughout these changes, John Muldowney remained a constant source of pride and joy for Shirley.

Shirley Muldowney Height And Weight

She is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 136 pounds or about 62 kilograms. Her height matches what many consider average for women. 

Muldowney’s stature has not defined her abilities as a driver. Her journey proved that passion and perseverance matter more than size or weight.

Career

Muldowney’s racing journey began in the 1950s on the streets of Schenectady, New York. She made history in 1973 when she became the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster. This milestone opened doors for women in motorsports and showed that skill knows no gender. Muldowney achieved a major achievement in 1977 by winning a Top Fuel championship and becoming the first woman to secure a professional motorsport title.

Throughout her career, Muldowney showcased incredible talent and determination. She won the NHRA World Championship three times, in 1977, 1980, and 1982. She claimed one IHRA Championship and celebrated 18 career NHRA victories. One of her early highlights was winning the Southern Nationals with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).

Muldowney faced many challenges but remained steadfast. Her presence on the track inspired countless female racers who followed her path. Even today, her legacy continues to influence sportsmanship and equality in motorsports. Shirley is a pioneer who changed how women are perceived in competitive racing.

Achievements

• Muldowney began her racing career in 1958 at the Fonda Speedway.
• In 1965, she became the first woman licensed by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a dragster. 
• She won the International Hot Rod Association Southern Nationals in 1971. 
• She joined Connie Kalitta’s team and gained her Top Fuel license in 1973.
• In 1975, she broke the 6.00-second barrier. 

• By 1976, she had qualified first and won at the “NHRA Winston World Finals”.
• In 1977, she secured two more Winston championships by 1982.
• Muldowney faced a serious crash in Montreal in 1984.
• She retired from motorsports in 2003. 
• She was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2005.

How Much Is Shirley Muldowney Net Worth?

Shirley Muldowney net worth in 2024 is estimated to be around $10 million. This wealth primarily comes from her successful racing career and numerous sponsorships.

Muldowney broke barriers as one of the first women to compete at high levels in motorsports. She won multiple championships. She has also engaged in public speaking and writing about her experiences that add to her income. 

Net Worth	$10 Million
Yearly income	$500k
Monthly income	$42k
Daily income	$1.4k

Social Media Appearance

Shirley Muldowney has made a noticeable impact on social media. Her presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter allows her to share snippets of her life beyond racing. She posts photos from events, personal moments, and old memories.

Facebook	@ShirleyMuldowney
Instagram	@shirley_muldowney_official
Twitter	@shirlmuldowney

Conclusion 

Shirley Muldowney has made a significant impact on the world of drag racing. As the first woman to excel in this sport, she broke barriers and inspired many. Her net worth reflects her successful career and dedication to racing. Beyond her professional achievements, her family life and personal story add depth to her legacy.

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