Ot Sports Industries

Shirley Muldowney raced in the National Hod Rod Association for four decades. June 15, 1975 she raced into history when she became the first woman to qualify for the top fuel NHRA Nationals finals. June 13, 1976 she won the Spring Nationals, the win earned her another historic first. With the win Shirley Muldowney became the first woman to win a NHRA National Pro Class race, a giant leap forward for diversity in the drag racing industry.

Shirley Muldowney Top Fuel Driver

Shirley Muldowney’s racing career extended into 1998. Her vision, strength and racing passion have earned her several championships, awards and honors including the United States Sports Academy's Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias Courage Award and New York State’s 30 Women of Distinction. She was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2000 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2004.

One of her main competitors was “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, a man who came to hold a great deal of respect for Shirley. Today other women like Ashley Force, Melanie Trozel, Hillary Will and Erica Enders. Melanie and Hillary race Top Fuel while Ashley is a major force in the Funny Car category and Erica handles her own in the Pro Stock drag racing category.