The legend of drag racer Shirley ‘Cha Cha’ Muldowney

When a sportsperson embodies all of these qualities, they are bound to make a significant mark on history. Enter Shirley Muldowney – a woman who dazzled fans with her skill, silenced opponents with her defiance, broke world records like finishing line tape, and literally went through fire (on several occasions) to become one of drag racing’s most respected competitors of all time.

A roaring start

Born in Burlington, Vermont, in 1940, Shirley Ann Roque got her first taste for fast cars at 16, when she would race in unofficial competitions around the streets of Schnecetady, New York. Shirley’s talent was multifaceted, but her motivation was simple: “All I wanted to do was to race up and down the streets in a hot rod.” The obsession brought her together with Jack Muldowney, a racing enthusiast who built Shirley her first dragster. The proverbial flag had fallen, the engine was roaring – and for Shirley Muldowney, there was no looking back.

Shirley made her official debut at New York’s Fonda Speedway in 1958, and it wasn’t long before her dancerly driving style earned her the nickname ‘Cha Cha’. Competitors of all genders quaked in Shirley’s wake, and, in 1965, she was the first woman to be granted a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) licence.

Getting the chance to compete wasn’t always an easy ride for Shirley. In spite of her wins, ‘Cha Cha’ was beset by gender discrimination at every turn. But she refused to be dragged down. After years of acing races in the Top Gas and (the actually extremely dangerous) ‘Funny Car’ divisions, Shirley Muldowney was finally given her licence for Top Fuel drag racing – the fastest, most competitive drag class – in 1973.

To those observing her successes, it might have seemed like Shirley’s trajectory was charmed. But during her 40-year career, the champ endured more than her fair share of trials. Broken legs, smashed hands, a crushed pelvis and at least four engine explosions, each requiring months of burns recovery, were just some of the challenges she faced. But overcome them she did, right up until her retirement in 2003.

Over four glorious decades in the sport, Shirley ‘Cha Cha’ Muldowney proved herself to be a drag-racing hero worthy of myriad accolades, a dedicated bio pic, an Outstanding Achievement award from the US House of Representatives and the esteem of her peers. Legendary racer Fred Farndon called her “the best natural driver”, and ‘father of drag racing’ Don Garlits nominated her as the racer most worthy of respect. Shirley’s triumphs are a testament to the skill, focus and single-minded determination of a sportsperson who answered a world of ‘no’ with one resounding ‘yes’.

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