Shirley: The life and career of Shirley Muldowney

[@CCHSMusicDepartment]

Garlits, Muldowney, Force, Snake and Bernstein are the names that have truly made our sport. All different and all special in their own way. This documentary is awesome! Thank you Shirley and thank you to all at NHRA who helped make this happen. More like this please!

[@LonnyJay-vh4yg]

@@CCHSMusicDepartmentthat is so true those champions have a place in our hearts forever

[@CraigMorris-e3u]

I agree wholeheartedly too

[@charliethomas2798]

Great champion and easy on the eyes 😊

[@skatpk9196]

And the "Mongoose" Tom McEwan.

[@skatpk9196]

The obstacles that Shirley had to overcome are overwhelming.

[@dieseltech386]

The QUEEN of the NHRA! End of discussion!

[@boburwell9921]

The home town favorite at Englishtown

[@0U812UBE]

This is a beyond amazing documentry!

[@justinstilwell7841]

Shirley is in my opinion the best female driver ever. She also had charisma and flair that helped her reach fans.

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

I agree

[@joeyjojojr.shabadoo915]

@@THROTTLEPOWER Shirley Muldowney (Drag) and Michelle Mouton (1981-85 Team Audi WRC and 1985 Pikes Peak Winner and then Record Holder).

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

@@joeyjojojr.shabadoo915 👍🏁🏁👍

[@joeyjojojr.shabadoo915]

@@THROTTLEPOWER I am still happy to see that the Force girls (Britney especially) made their Dad proud, considering he didn't have a Son.

[@terryscanlon56]

She was one of the best drivers , regardless being a woman!

[@rupert7874]

Excellent film too ,heart like a wheel

[@RebelEricJamal]

Hey, now you got a funny car huh. Is that funny enough for you? I'll come down and We both have a good laugh alright Shirl

[@myleghurts3546]

@@RebelEricJamal 😂😂And at the end, when she wins world title, he's alone in some dingy room cheering for her! LOL

[@BillyLintzenich-wf7sk]

Shirley didnt care for bonnie bedelia. Just a trivia fact for you. Haha

[@SlickArmor]

​​​@@myleghurts3546 it may not have been luxury accommodations but he wasn't alone, he was surrounded by family and loved ones while cheering her on. Poor Shirley had an unfaithful man and her boy who ended up passing from alcohol.

[@redriverraider]

She surrounded herself with a lot of great people! Earned every scar and championships! Thanks NHRA for putting this out!

[@whitehorse420]

I remember this beautiful woman. I was only 13 years old and lived in Carlsbad NM. My step-dad took me to Roswell NM to see her and Don Garlit race. I'm an Oldman now but I'll never forget her. ❤❤❤

[@022367ASM]

One of the best stories I have ever watched on NHRA KZbin. You guys did it write. Thank you. 💯 ❤‍🔥

[@vincereynolds6092]

Thank you for such an incredible show! Shirley is one of the greatest race car drivers to have graced this planet. She is also a great inspiration to many, an icon, philanthropist, and best representatives of the sport of drag racing. She is also very kind and appreciative of her MANY fans.

[@AnthonyLincoln-sg1py]

One of the best NHRA drivers ever! One of these days I would love to meet Shirley!

[@Bobbyd0052]

THANK YOU N H R A ! 💯🇺🇸

[@fixedlink]

Shirley Muldowney could kick ass! A true drag racer and she had the skills, the team and gusto to beat Big Daddy Don. Thank you for all the excitement and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

[@LonnyJay-vh4yg]

This video made me 😭 very heartfelt.... I'm glad I was able to get your autograph at bandimere years ago. Thank you Shirley for being a great racer and a historic champion the industry will never forget you.

[@cskvision]

Thanks a million for posting this! Us Canadians have waited all year to see this. 🇨🇦 Shirley is the best of the best!

[@packatk7431]

I remember watching Heart Like a Wheel when I was a kid in the theater with my Dad. I remember thinking Shirley was such a badass. My Dad and I would spend Sunday afternoon's watching her drag race on TV in the early 80s. Such great memories... thanks for sharing this.

[@easy4525]

Shirley Muldowney one of the greatest of all time. I remember growing up and watching Shirley race. So many of the clips in this video, I remember seeing live. Thank you Shirley, and everyone who had a part in making this video.

[@moparnut2058]

I love you Shirley! 1989, Scribner Nebraska, I was 10, I carried a model car through the drag race pits, it was You, Doug Herbert, and Don Garlits. I had you and Don sign the model car, It was of his blow over car from 86 Englishtown. He got a little chippy cause you signed it first, then he signed it BIG! Ill forever remember that day! you guys were awesome, You showed me your trailers, gave me a Pink Hat, and my Dad bought pink coats. Cemented you in my heart as one of the greatest to ever drive! That and your demeaner and your toughness remind me of my late Grandma Jody! NOBODY got one over on Grandma Jody, pretty much like you! Ive got 3 amazing girls now, and someday Ill have them meet you at a big race I hope! THANK YOU!

[@josephryan1576]

Shirley is an absolute badass and set the bar for anyone who ever is told "you can't do that". GET OUT THERE AND GET AFTER IT! And she was a easy on the eyes too.

[@chadkent1241]

What an incredible tribute to the baddest woman in racing history! We love you, Shirley!!!!!!❤❤❤

[@StanleyKubick1]

michéle mouton: wait, what?

[@SlickArmor]

​@@StanleyKubick1who?

[@chadkent1241]

@@StanleyKubick1 rally driver < nitro dragster. Not even close

[@SamLopezI]

I met her at Rocky Mountain raceway in Utah about 20 years ago. I told her that I'd seen her numerous times at Pomona, Ontario, etc. She was genuinely interested and posed for a picture with my nephew. We communicated by mail later and she sent a large poster of her career, autographed!! Tough but charming woman, in 2024 I'm still an admirer.

[@TomHoover-hk5yd]

It's about time there's a good documentary on the greatest female drag racing champion in the world God bless you Shirley! A job well done!!!

[@dicksatan6444]

Greatest CHAMPION. Dudes didn’t face her roadblocks.

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

Shirley was awesome when I was growing up, in 1970 I was 13 and just starting to watch NHRA races. She did it her way and it worked. Thank you Cha-Cha. NHRA did an absolutely wonderful job with this tribute to the truly baddest woman on the planet.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Thank you for the wonderful documentary I saw Shirley several times back in the day she's my hero she opened up the world for women to be racing and that's wonderful have a great day

[@jamesdavisii8001]

Wow, what accomplishments. Drag racing is my favorite sport by far. Thank you, Shirley for being a huge part of it and just being you.

[@stymieslc8484]

As a young 20 something back in the early 70's living in SW Michigan & Martin Dragway was an hour's drive away, every time a big event came along, I was there, camera in hand shooting as many photos as I could get, I was always a huge fan of Shirley from day one. Back then, the dragstrip would allow me to have full access on the starting line to shoot as many photo's as I wanted. I lived to get action shots of Shirley, Big Daddy, Connie Kalitta, Jungle Jim & all the other top drivers back in the mid 70's & 80's. Drag racing is in my blood for sure! Somewhere all those photos got lost or hidden in boxes packed away. To this day, I'm a die-hard drag racing fan & watch all the events I can catch on TV & the internet. Man, those were the good ole days for sure! Lots of time spent at dragstrips all over Illinois, Michigan, Indiana - I lived to go to the dragstrips all over! Thanks to whoever put this video together! Great job! Hats off to all of those who had a part in the making of this great video! I have always been a huge fan of Shirley from day one! Magic Sam

[@toddbell1748]

Excellent docu she is truly a perfect example of a HUMAN BEING

[@Ch3no2-r7e]

Luv to the Muldowney's Great video and NHRA we luv u

[@teresaj27]

Shirley, I had tears in my eyes when I finished watching this! My husband and I would go to Popular Hot Rod, in August and Columbus in the Spring. I loved hearing you race and win. Thanks for all you have done and accomplished. I started hearing about the Force girls and thinking how great it was but by far, you opened the door to them and all others. You were a force to reckon with. I am just sorry I wasn't able to see some of those years. I love drag racing and after I was divorced, I went into the Army. Congratulations and never lose the spirit. This documentary has inspired me to pull ahead in my life and win and keep accomplishing more.

[@maxmillion4216]

What a wonderful story about a true legend..!!!!!

[@ricardotomaso7069]

Great documentary of a fantastic woman. What a competitor she was and she showed she was the best of a great bunch of legendary drivers. I salute you Shirley.

[@joshbrekke6374]

A true inspiration & legend. We are so blessed & proud honestly especially my Mom just loved Shirley, we all do. This got me teared up near the end. Many very close in our family also died from severe alcoholism. Bless you Shirley & Thank you so much!!

[@kevincook8059]

Wonderful................just wonderful!

[@munromobile6539]

One of my hero's I love this video, thank you Shirley for been yourself, one of drag racings legends x x

[@tigerphid9677]

This is THE best sports documentary I have ever seen. Shirley is even more awesome than I thought. That she survived that crash and went back to racing is just amazing. And I think that she had a reverse "intimidation" factor. She wasn't afraid of them. Those guys like Kalitta and Garlits were intimidated and unnerved by the one and only Shirley Muldowney.

[@lindawhitver4740]

Thank you Shirley. I loved watching you race! You changed my life my than I even knew ❤

[@jimburg621]

Thank you for this, one of the true greats, I remember as a kid, building Shirley "Cha Cha" Muldowney model cars. Much respect for this lady. (I really like how she's sitting in a pink chair during this interview)

[@robakitt4741]

Shirley made my day! back when I raced a street class V8 Pinto at Cayuga, Canada. Shirley, commented how much she liked my car and license plate 1320FT. 👍

[@simonHolgerson]

Can’t wait living legend 😊👍

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Thanks for posting this. Great story about an incredible woman.

[@letswrestle47toronto]

Great documentary of a true legend.

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

I am an Aussie and a lifelong fan of drag racing. I first became aware of Shirley after seeing the movie about her - "Heart like a Wheel" After that, I researched as much as I could to find out more. She is now my sports hero....

[@billybrinsfield6485]

Glad I got to see this Video, I've seen Heart like a Wheel Many Times over the Years, but I'm so Sorry for the Lose of her Son John, I didn't know about his Passing😢

[@PTsAdventures]

She raced with my grandpa at Kingdon in Lodi CA in the old days. I met her and got a private tour of her trailer in Pomona CA when I was 8 in 1986 I think it was. She’s is amazing! Best female racer, a legend! Cha Cha!!

[@chopper5245]

Saw Shirley in Huntsville, AL in ‘94 I believe. Still remember that moment. Went specifically to watch her. Legend!

[@acidreign8551]

Awesome documentary about an awesome racer and awesome woman. Went through so much in many many ways, more balls than most men walking the earth. Much respect Shirley. 💗

[@guyredshaw1422]

Very, very inspirational!

[@CharlesHarvey-n6f]

I love Shirley Muldowney she was awesome Shirley Mo Downey an Evel Knievel😊 my childhood Heroes

[@billk2480]

I remember being a little kid growing up on Foster ave in Schdy and seeing that beautiful Muldowney dragster now and then parked across the street on a trailer. She must have been visiting friends but we all loved seeing that car!! It definitely fueled my love for muscle cars.

[@robertfitzsimmons2507]

Thanks for sharing this. It was amazing to watch and learn about who Shirley was and she was great.

[@steve-gp1nc]

Wow, what a great story.

[@leedenny4087]

I interrupted her while she was working on her car at I believe, was Fremont raceway. 79or80. I said, miss Muldowny, I have to shake your hand. She looked up at me a bit anoid, then came over and shook my hand. I told her my name, she smiled and said, hope you you enjoy the show lee!!! Never will forget that tiny moment, was huge to me....lee.

[@Jay-sm5ef]

What a national treasure!

[@MikeS-kw2hr]

That was the best doc . She's beyond an inspiration. She is one of those people who you never forget. God bless her and thank you for all you've done and still do!.

[@shanetelford2243]

The ultimate Queen of Drag Racing. An amazing Documentary Well Done NHRA.

[@jfrockon]

I always see Shirley at ZMax and shes always so nice and willing to chat about old races.

[@william121852]

I feel connected to Shirley in a way , I was born and raised in Schenectady , I believe John had his station up on State st. I remember hearing stories around about a beautiful brunette in her corvette racing up and down State st. late at night . I'm 72 now and I now live in Fultonville , N.Y. across the Mohawk River from Fonda Raceway . Have seen the racing museum many times , and its nice to see the tribute to Shirley there . She truely is one of kind , the greatest female drag racer of all time .

[@Bayan1905]

She grew up about an hour or so where I live now and she used to race at the now defunct race track in South Glens Falls, NY, 30 minutes away. She is a local legend.

[@Spunky-iq8jm]

Shirley is the greatest champion of all time! Bar none!!

[@revvyhevvy]

Excellent presentation, NHRA!

[@jeffhalsey4102]

I love Shirley. Watching the video I had tears in my eyes. I met her at the US Nationals in Indianapolis. She signed my National hat I had bought, then I saw Don Garlits and he said I don't know if I want to put my name on anything she signed. He then laughed and signed it. I still have it to this day. That was in 2001.

[@bobbarker3781]

Good on her. To tell your story, honestly, and then call balls and strikes on your decisions. Much respect for her as a racer and a person

[@thomascher4916]

This isn't a story of a woman persevering. This is a story of a human being truly being. This is a story of a true human. Shirley you are an absolute hero. ❤

[@wadepaul2943]

Well done, finally something worth all of it.

[@Buddha-of8fk]

Shirley and Don was a legendary rivalry. Loved them both so it was hard.

[@kennysilvers-z4x]

It's so true. Don was kind of a jackass sometimes, but u had to love him.

[@Buddha-of8fk]

@kennysilvers-z4x Those two always had great races. The good old days of the NHRA.

[@davidcooper4385]

SHE IS THE PERSON THAT SAYS I AM HERE AND NOT GOING AWAY, I AM HERE TO WIN!!!!

[@kennysilvers-z4x]

...and if you don't like it I'll kick you in the nuts! lol

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

I met this wonderful lady as an 18 year old street and drag racer at Houston International Dragway while she was racing in the early 80's. I asked her how I could get involved in being a top fuel mechanic and she was as honest as the day was long. She said its a very very difficult opportunity to get into so I was basically told I'm sorry but getting to do this is next to impossible. I still appreciate the honesty and she was a blast to talk to! Thank you Shirley!!!!

[@benjaminmartelle6566]

Really well done documentary! I grew up listening to my dad tell me how bad ass of a woman she is. And for sure one of the baddest ladies on the planet

[@davidwolfe7773]

Awesome job showcasing a true legend in all of motorsports. Shirley is a bad ass.

[@jimdean7335]

Shirley raced in Kansas City at an AHRA event where I raced as a sportsman. A friend of mine brought his handicapped brother to the races and hung out with us. When the races were over we where taking my friends bother (in wheel chair) thru the pits and passed Shirleys trailer. He wanted to stop for a picture near Shirleys trailer. He read all the magazines and knew who she was. Shirley saw us and came out and possed with him for a picture. That picture was on his bedroom wall until he passed away. I will never forget that. I’ve loved Shirley since.

[@samebert4440]

That was a truly classy move!!!! Shows just how she treated her fans!!!

[@ldtenenoff]

Brian great job again truly a legendary gal amongst the most fearless men on the planet and she nvr flinched thanks Brain

[@matthewwilchowy8536]

My favorite driver of all time. God bless you shirley

[@CharlesHarvey-n6f]

What a beautiful awesome video thank you😊😊😊

[@chriswalker6776]

I remember her as i watched drag racing as a kid and grew up loving drag racing. She was a force to be recognized and wasn't going to let anyone tell her differently. She was a cool lady

[@shanehumphrey4827]

Watched Shirley from 1975 in AHRA Spokane Washington

[@AA-be7tv]

Thank you Bob Frey, You started my NHRA career in Brainerd 96. I was the one with a Phillies cap on

[@dennisconnolly1]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Chrisuperfly1]

We watched Shirley not because she was a woman but because she was damn good at her job. See the difference?

[@Truetoo102]

I'm 62 and a casual drag race fan. I've known of Shirley, but I didn't know the whole story, what a Champion! Thanks for the great video.

[@jefferymeyers2737]

Amazing the things she accomplished, im 61 and watched her run at OCIR Irvine Ca. through the late 70s

[@kendavis1198]

Nicely done!!! Way to Kick Some ASS Shirley!!! Loved every minute of this Documentary. Thank you so much, and Nice Job putting them Boy's in there place! Fantastic....

[@TracyW5754]

Shirley I had the pleasure of watching you race Big Daddy in Bradenton in the late 1980s I will never forget that race. I was 18 at the time. Its about time a good documentary with you is done!! A fan for life, you are a legend! thanks Shirley.

[@paullevins5448]

Good story of a Great and Courageous Driver!!! I enjoyed this story very much!!! God bless you SM and keep you safe!!

[@MrWladek65]

you guys nailed it!!!!

[@joelhatescops]

I really enjoyed the show 😁 !!!

[@dalepogue5799]

That was great. Thank you

[@howitstartsmm]

I met her in the late 70's asking her for an autograph on an 8x10. She was very gracious talking with me, I was 16. That picture/autograph/her comment is one of my treasured possessions.

[@bobpratt8224]

Great story...NHRA finally got it right!

[@JoeCrow5542]

I’m 57 next year, and can’t remember a time when Shirley wasn’t a part of watching drag racing on TV with my dad. And, I have the same birthday 🎉

[@FastKiwiBoss]

This Kiwi watched her and Garlits race at Fomosa, Bakersfield, CA summer 1984, great memories. A much deserved doco about this amazing fantastic person.

[@HitzThaDon]

This amazing lady, her life, and Heart Like A Wheel (and my dad lol) was one of the main reasons my mum drag raced for 15 years, thank you so much for helping inspire my birth-giver to give me a childhood one could only dream of. ❤

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great vid!!!!!! 👍🏁🏁👍

[@MrTurk6988]

She's been my favorite driver since I was a kid in the 70's and my mom's too...just like Gordie Rivera ( from Yuma AZ) my hometown hero!!

[@ernestomontemayor5855]

Yuma AZ. A great place to live and raise a family. Blessings Montemayor USMC Retired 77-97 Yuma AZ.

[@MrTurk6988]

@ernestomontemayor5855 thank you for your service!!

[@MrBayoubig]

as a 56 yr old man and watching her through the years,i sit here thinking how some of these women today sayhow bad women have it,but most of these kids today have no idea because of Shirley breaking down the doors she did and went through it opened so many things for everything for women not just in racing. Most women today would lay down and cry if they had to go through a 1/4 of what she put up with heck most men today couldnt handle what Shirley handled. She is the toughest woman besides my mom Ive seen in my life. Thank you for all the Memories Shirley ,we Love ya

[@robertbrassell1215]

this is simply magnificent.

[@speed6725]

When I was little 6/7 I think it was ‘73 or ‘74 at National Speedway on Long Island, my father asked me to read the side of the dragster in the pits and it said “Cha Cha” I about lost my mind lol I ran up to the car and Shirley was getting out of the tow vehicle and she me let me pet her dog, Skippy. By far a great early memory. Some of the things guys would say to her were disgusting. She covered my ears one time and said “there’s a child right here! you talk to your mother with that mouth?” I have to laugh at it now, but guys were just rude back then. Shirley opened the doors for women drag racers. She took the abuse so they wouldn’t have to. Breaks my heart to see Shirley struggling to walk.

[@georgethomasmendivil7776]

"Long Live Shirley Cha Cha Muldowney" 💕🏆💕🏆💕🏆💕🏆💕🏆💕🏆💕

[@edwardbaker192]

Shirley was the best damn top fuek driver that ever lived. I watched her at US 30 dragstrip in Gary Indiana when I was 11 years old I knew it then and I know it now.

[@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT]

Thank you for this!

[@patrickgrant4804]

A remarkable documentary!

[@bdogjr7779]

Wow⚘️《☆》Amazing documentary👍❤🤳So Cool to see Shirley & Big become friends after all the hard feelings towards each other✌️😎☯️