Wayne Carini talks to drag racing legend Shirley Muldowney on Talking Classic Cars

This week Wayne was on his own at the Savoy Museum in Cartersville Georgia and had a chance to sit down with Shirley Muldowney, the First Lady of Drag Racing. We're looking forward to having Jay back on our next show and hear what he's been up to. After the interview Shirley walks around her "Last Pass Tour" car with Wayne.
A new Documentary film about Shirley's life was shown at the Savoy Auto Museum Saturday, March 16, and it will Debut on Fox Sports FS1 on Wednesday, March 20 at 7:00 pm.
Shirley Muldowney, an American Top Gas, Funny Car, and match racer is a trailblazer and an inspiration to many in automotive sports. She shattered gender barriers by becoming the first woman to receive a license from the National Hot Rod Association to drive a Top Fuel dragster. With her passion, perseverance, and dedication, she won 18 NHRA national events and became the first person to win two and three of drag racing’s most prestigious titles, Top Fuel, back-to-back. Her impressive achievements have earned her a well-deserved place in the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Shirley Muldowney's Website:
www.muldowney....
Women in Motorsports North America:
womeninmotorsp...
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Don't forget to check out other audio-only episodes of this podcast, Talking Classic Cars, featuring Wayne Carini and Pixar's Jay Ward.
www.talkingcla...
The world-class Savoy Museum:
savoymuseum.org/
Official Wayne Carini Web sites:
www.waynecarin...
www.f40.com
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[@REDZ28won]

Shirley is a Drag racing Legend who doesn't get the respect she deserves!

[@JonathanSparks-ht4vq]

We can chalk that up to a bunch of OLD, WHITE men who to this day doesn’t give the first shit about women or minorities first that matter achieving success on the drag strip, NASCAR track, or the dirt track

[@duanepierson4375]

When I hear the term “Drag Queen,” this is who I think of. Hey, I grew up in the 60’s & the 70’s reading Hot Rod Magazine. Bless you Cha Cha!

[@davidelam631]

Legend. A national treasure. Nuff said. I have always admired her. She's the queen. There will never be another one like her.

[@paulmazzola398]

The problem is she thinks her Shit doesn't stink. I was at the last race she in the Peanuts Dragster. I tried to get her autograph along with a little girl along side of me begging Shirley her to come over the rope sign the hero card. In true Shirley fashion she turned her back to the fans.

[@jakebrakebill]

I can so relate, an era that can never be duplicated, so blessed to have lived it and been there. Thank you Cha-Cha...........

[@patrickmonaghan8555]

What a woman, what racer, what an all round incredible human being. I cannot imagine what it mush have been like to sit next her and listen to what she had to say. Thank you for doing this Wayne! There will never be another racer, man or woman like the great Shirley Muldowney!

[@torrencemonroe1233]

👍😊👏👏👏👏

[@michaelpribble7391]

Well said

[@patrickmcgrath5411]

I'M 71 YEARS OLD AND WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, IALWAYS HAD THE HOTS FOR SHIRLEY "CHA-CHA" MULDOWNEY... ALL THESE YEARS LATER, I STILL DO❣️... DANICA PATRICK, YOU ARE A FAR SECOND 👍🏻😎

[@user-co7fb6qe5w]

I think most of us lol

[@Loulovesspeed]

Shirley broke the boundaries in drag racing's top class, and she did it in a "top class" fashion! She exhibited just what it takes to break into a "man's sport", achieving excellence and earning the respect of her male competitors, particularly the ones whose doors she blew off! Thank you to another classy individual, Big Daddy Don Garlits, who was a great help in making sure that Shirley got her Top Fuel license! You both were very positive influences to the sport of drag racing. Thank you both for the many great memories! 🏆🏆🏁🏁

[@fishgeralding9224]

Watched Shirley beat big Daddy at the old Hollywood speedway in Hollywood Florida, both absolute legends! Good interview Wayne!

[@mikes9759]

Yeah the good old days!! Like she's saying, they turned it into a money pit!! And we know the price of parts now!!

[@jessicagreene1773]

The lady is living history!

[@davepowell3293]

Seen her in Sanair in 1986,when she came back after her bad accident,

[@davidszakacs6888]

I was there at the NHRA Spring Nationals at National Trails in Columbus, Ohio when Shirley became the first woman to win a championship! Love you, Cha Cha!

[@user-mv3xc8bt6n]

The Little girl in pink dragster still givin'em HELL!! Yes Sir! GO Shirl!!

[@papagreg534]

What an admirable woman!! I watched Shirley and Don in Sacramento years ago, what a race. Later my niece, Ashley Pettyjohn become a young guns drag racer. Sadley was in a car accident, and passed away from complications shortly after. Thank you Shirley for being a kind an down to earth lady!!🕊️🕊️🕊️👍

[@smokenjoe4022]

Here is an excellent example of an American Woman that is a great influence on the younger generations to come! God Bless her🙏🏼!

[@skigdividerx4991]

Saw her at Heartland years ago. She was out and came up into the bleachers to watch the finals. She sat five foot from me. I got to say hi to her and that was great! Helluva woman.

[@thebossisback10002]

What a wonderful Lady straight forward and honest about the sport

[@craigroberts757]

I met Shirley back in the late 70s at the Winter Nationals at the old California Speedway. My cousin and I had pit passes and we hung out for a while at her pit. I say this, she was determined and driven to win and so was her small crew. Great lady and a fierce competitor.

[@freedomsnotfreefreedomsnot3270]

I thought every ticket was a pit pass. I know that's how it is in Indy.

[@keithp115]

WOW! I met both of you 20 years apart. Wayne you were very gracious when meeting you at Stahl's Museum in Chesterfield Twp. Mi a few years ago. On the other hand, I met Shirley when I pulled her over for speeding in Ray Twp. MI. Yes, I let her go with a smile. You are both awesome!!

[@sugrue8526]

It is awesome to hear a champion speak. They are different.

[@user-rb9cn8xj4e]

As a kid in the early 1970’s my Dad’s best friend was Earnie Hall. Earnie was a AA top fuel dragster driver and I had the awesome experience of going many times to Portland International Raceway. Shirley Muldowney, Don Prudome, Jungle Jim, The Mongoose, The Snake, The Hawaiian etc. just to name a few. What a great experience at a great time in this nations history. I consider myself lucky. Shirley was a pioneer and overcame so many obstacles to become one of the “Great Ones”. Great to see her still doing well.

[@garysabik8488]

Shirley, "I Pack the Chutes". Awesome

[@kestrel2120]

awesome, no school like the old school ...paving the road to the future GO ! Shirley

[@Torchninja]

If your spinning your not winning.. Shirley is a legend ...

[@americarsqueensland1667]

@ 6:10 Shirley is 100% correct, you must see Top Fuel cars in person, it's still unreal to watch after seeing hundreds of runs.

[@JimAtkins-kt4ko]

SHE IS A ROCK STAR, I remember her well, love it

[@kendavid4386]

She is a real treasure what a Woman.

[@jmark7390]

Decades ago I watched the movie Heart Like a Wheel with my wife and two young daughters. My wife is not into cars at all, they are nothing more but an appliance. But she loved the movie and how Shirley competed in a mans world and won!!!! Awesome lady.

[@southerncross3638]

I used to see Her at the Fremont drag strip in the early 70s, along with the Snake and Mongoose, great times.

[@TheDuckCallDoctor]

I was there every race when she was there we came from Antioch ❤

[@markkimball1569]

I give her credit for ❤ and the balls to run that flat out ! Remember her as a kid late 70s 80s. She had nothing to be worried about nor should she care now ,she made it ! Thanks Shirley !

[@user-gb6re9eg3i]

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE RACER AND GROUND BREAKER. SHE PAVED THE WAY FOR SURE!!!

[@circleforalanding]

Wow brings back great memories! Pleased Wayne interviewed Miss Shirley. All the best!

[@douglinn1583]

I love how candid this woman is. The Queen of drag racing!

[@larrylarry739]

She was at her peak when i was a kid and becoming drag racing crazy. She was my favorite driver then and always will be. I'll never forget the sight of that pink car with the Pioneer sponsorship.

[@rd350h1]

Back in the late 70's I was fortunate to see her and all the big names at Great Lakes Dragaway in Wisconsin! Great times...

[@jeanc819]

I love her humility and honesty. What a legend!

[@michaelbokovoy1527]

I had the pleasure of meeting this Wonderful Legend One Day at the Racetrack!! What Great Memory ❤ Thanks for Your Wonderful Story and History 🥰

[@MikeY77z28]

Shirley is one of my favorite drag racers.Such a cool lady.

[@marcholtz7582]

I remember her funny car run @ Cordova Dragway in Ill when her shoots didn't open...she came back 'laying ' across the 'hood' holding corn stalks...long time ago...love this lady - thx for the fantastic interview "Cha Cha"!

[@Breedorable]

Still legendary after all these years!! I remember as a 7 year old kid and the days she would race at Tucson dragway. 😊 🏎 💭

[@badapple65]

Seeing my first Indy 500 race in person about 1982 brought chills to my spine and tears to my eyes because on TV it does the reality of it no justice. I imagine it’s the same in drag racing.

[@stevetournay6103]

Oh it's truer in drags. You're closer to the action, you can see pretty much all of it from one spot, and the SOUND...nearest thing to it is an extended, amplified volley of rifle fire, and that's only at idle...the sheer roar when a fueler launches feels like it's going to dislodge your soul. (And I haven't been to a drag race in about fifty years. That's how memorable it is.)

[@neuromanglers]

Now I want to watch" Heart Like A Wheel" again...and again !

[@andyevans2336]

Great Lady with a sense of humor; Renegade raceway in Washington, 1970s: my best friend and I got to race her after the night’s events. She and Connie in her crew truck, us in his dad’s Javelin. She blew our doors off! What an honor!

[@gaetanodetorrice5555]

What a wonderful lady I met her and got her autograph at englishtown raceway Park New Jersey.❤👍.

[@jefflewis6331]

Thank you Wayne and Shirley!

[@stevetournay6103]

Love this. Haven't seen (or heard!) a drag race, live as Shirley describes it, in probably fifty years. But still remember it, especially that sound. And Shirley was a favourite. Saw her run once, in a Kalitta team AA/FC Mustang, at Cayuga, Ontario, about 1972; it had been at the same strip a few years earlier where Don Garlits had signed Shirley off for AA/FD...

[@seancrowley1065]

Absolutely a legend !!!!! Loved seeing her as a kid and I'm 52 now ! Her, Big Daddy, Snake and Mongoose were my idols in the early 80's.

[@user-sv9tk2nj1k]

Grew up in that era when tv started covering racing, it was always great to cheer on Cha-Cha!

[@neilholschbach6704]

Deserves more than a like!!! Hearts!!!!

[@cayminlast]

When I saw the movie "Heart like a Wheel" in the early 1980s I became an instant fan, incredible lady. 'Cleetus McFarland' is our local drag racing hero at The Freedom Factory in S W Florida.

[@artmchugh5644]

Hell yeah brother!!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@festerhairball6588]

Thanks for posting the name of that movie! I never forgot her name after watching that film. Bad ass for sure!

[@airtek4809]

Wow, made my eyes leak. I really need my eye doctor to figure this out. At the end, you can hear it in her voice. I can not ever say it enough. What an awesome lady.

[@c.thompson6638]

Shirley is one of our national treasures! Looking forward to watching the documentary. Great job, as usual, Wayne.

[@-ZIO]

I remember watching her when I was a kid. What an epic time in motorsports, and I got to see it happen :)

[@jeffreyyeip1915]

Shirley, this interview is awsome. Just a couple days ago I saw a picture of you and Linda Vaughn standing at a fence

[@iflytango]

My daughter raced quarter midgets from when she was 8 to 12 and met Shirley at a car show in Sacramento in 91 and could not have been treated better. Had my daughter stand by her while she did an interview and then continued to sign autographs, she didn't brush anyone off.

[@terryforbes4038]

I followed her racing from her first advertised appearance at US-30 Drag Strip.

[@fredflintstone5860]

I remember the radio advertisements for US 30. Smoking US 30 drag strip where the great ones run.

[@chrisgrubbs8105]

The very first drag race I ever watch was a Shirley Muldowney race. She is my all time favorite driver and I do have a Cha-Cha funny car and one of my prize possessions is my pink dragster die casts. Shirley is the greatest, never miss a chance to see anything about her. Thanks you Shirley for make me a race fan and a huge fan of yours.

[@airtek4809]

Such an awesome lady. Loved our conversation at the cajun nationals decades ago. Sweet sweet woman.

[@Scott-rr7dy]

THANK YOU Shirley.for thrilling use at Irwindale Raceway in S California. I'm 65 yrs old and remember hearing the ground shaking 12 miles away in Arcadia calif. Love you. I was ten yrs old. I have a belt drive on my harley Davidson. Because I remember. Those days.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CorvettesandCassicCars]

LOVE her I was a Drag Race fan going to the Drags watching and being a weekend warrior with my Corvette trying to bracket race. She is such an inspiration.can't wait to see this documentary

[@classicrider21]

Good times watching Shirley at KCI Raceway in the day. Along with the other "biggies". Shirley was class in the day and class now. Wayne thanks for this interview! Going to watch the video!

[@saigawesnovember]

Wayne,what a nice surprise to have Shirley on. Absolutely Awesome.

[@dondear9474]

Great Woman. Has done a lot to promote Drag racing. Meet her some years ago , great person to talk with.

[@patriley9449]

Much respect for this fine lady.

[@theodoresantos6736]

I grew up in the 70’s, and I remember when Shirley raced against Daddy Don Garlic at Baylands Raceway in Fremont California! I was 9 years old. She will always be a legend! An amazing woman and drag car driver! You Rock Shirley🦿🤟🏼

[@MikePoulson-qt1me]

Daddy Don Garlits.

[@theodoresantos6736]

@@MikePoulson-qt1me That’s the one. I was a kid when I would watch the races at Baylands! My uncle used to run his built 1971 Nova at that track. Those were the good ole days

[@williamvoorhees8201]

She's a legend. Was my mom's favorite.

[@thumbs3263]

What a great interview. Wayne does it so well, and Shirley Muldowney was so very famous those days; great to have this video, Thank you Wayne!

[@rgs4x]

I saw Shirley race Garlits in one of their famous match races at Fremont Raceway in the 70s. What a legend.

[@jerrymacvaldosta]

WOW thanks. This REALLY brought back some great memories of my old drag racing days. What an ICON and piller in racing!. Thanks.

[@garyhoward2490]

Shirley is a bona fide legend!!!! Met her at Pomona...about 40 years ago 😃. At the height of her career! So gracious and kind to all of the fans. Classy lady!!

[@reelingon2wheels399]

My favorite races were Shirley against Big Daddy! ✌️❤️🎣

[@neilreid9005]

Did some work on her cars (aero) back in the 80's. Super nice as was Ron. Nothing but respect and admiration for her.

[@4vmax]

I had the pleasure of having a conversation with her a few years ago what a down to earth lady

[@christophermeyers2687]

Shirley Muldowney great video

[@davekelly9657]

I got a chance to talk to her last year in Joliet. She is so cool and a very nice person. Got a autographed poster. So cool. I remember seeing her race on tv. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrMikekimball]

Hell yes. Love me some Shirley ❤

[@marklittle8805]

The woman isnt lacking confidence. She was and is a tough cookie. She is very old school and understands the cars and the mechincal symphony that needs to sing.

[@kitescuriosities7717]

My daughter and I were just there yesterday. Hated I missed meeting Shirley when she was there a few weeks ago, but was able to snag one of those BEAUTIFUL lithographs she has had made and autographed from the gift shop for $20. Such a wonderful example of perseverance and dedication to our young people.

[@Jjf-ep3mf]

What a legend followed her career from why back…what a lady ❤

[@Harry-oe5os]

I’ve always admired Shirley Muldowney for being the first woman in drag racing! I love the 60s and 70s old school drag racing where Shirley got her start. It seems to be about money these days! I’ll always appreciate this sport knowing what she conquered through her career that she loved so much!❤😊🔥🌹🇺🇸🙏

[@jesset061084]

She has done alot for women in drag racing she is a legend

[@johngenelli3782]

32 funny cars on a Saturday night ❤

[@artmchugh5644]

Saw her drive Connie Kalitta mach 1 funny car at Tri Cities dragway in Saginaw Michigan early 70's 😊😊😊😊😊😊 she was #1 qualified at Reading years back and her team was at the store getting coffee, ice and whatnot, I bought her coffee!!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@cnev3824]

i met shirley at tri city dragway in saginaw michigan in the 70s , it was during the night of fire match race series between her and dig daddy don garlits , a nice lady then and a class act now , as a michigander i fell honered to have met her

[@metalmagicrestoration3823]

I grew up on Saginaw. One of the neighborhood parents would be enlisted by the other parents to take all us kids out there Saturday night and drop us off till 11 PM, almost every weekend in the summer. I was there that same day, best days and nights of my entire life. Shirley is a blessing to all of us, I hope she relies how she made all of our lives better. Shirley is a winner and my hero!

[@donriedl3484]

Wow very good interview!!! Thank you both for doing this it was great to see the champion gleaming over her top fuel dragster . The show on Fs1 was fantastic .

[@Longhorn-s7z]

Tremendous respect for Shirley. Drag racing legend way ahead of her time.

[@wyattoneable]

I got to see Shirley at the Gatornationals in the mid 80's. She was in her pit with the team getting ready for the next round. She was so intense and focused I don't think she realized there must of been a crowd of a 100 fans surrounding her.

[@gregfielder4763]

Fantastic racer! I grew up watching her on Sunday afternoons.

[@leroycaudill96]

A great lady and racer met her at Bristol and watched her beat Kenny Bernstein loved it what a racer she was have pictures of her me and my wife just love her and her racing she was one of the best.

[@RonnieWickersham-qw9cv]

Love you Shirley I love your passion for being a great person and role model

[@MichiganQuadTrailsTales]

I Followed Her Career in NHRA on TV. But I got to See Her More At Match Races at Milan Dragway. And in the IHRA at Mid Michigan Motorplex. Great Interview, Looking Forward to the TV Show on FS1

[@jonecliptic]

Heart like a wheel was my favorite movie when i was a kid

[@dwillc6621]

What a LEGEND!!! I remember wathcing her race as a kid. I remember the movie about her too. So nice to see Shirley doing well!!!

[@ScottStinchcomb]

Just visited the Savoy Museum a few weeks ago. Had no idea it existed until passing it one day and after looking it up, my wife and I made a trip out to visit. Thinking about a membership since I live close.

[@FischerRestoration]

I saw Shirley compete at the Irwindale Drag Strip back in the late seventies .. she was fun to watch and always a fan favorite! A living legend in the sport. Congrats Shirley thanks for the memories 👏

[@charlesnick5292]

I grew up in the 70s , this woman was amazing. Nitro methane shakes the ground. She's cool as hell!!!!!!!!!!

[@Mike44460]

She speaks the truth. Once corporations get involved, whatever the endeavor it's fucked.

[@fredflintstone5860]

Yes you are correct that is why I quit watching NASCAR. It seemed like more emphasis was placed on the sponsors product then on the actual racing. I don't want to watch a 500 mile commercial.

[@1boortzfan]

She's a charmer! Love that woman.

[@182QKFTW]

Fantastic! -- Glad I found you, Wayne

[@leonardjanda6181]

Great interview absolutely Classic 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Shirley was an amazing driver 😊 She brought life to the sport Paved the way for more women to Enter And become successful I saw her race several times in english town And those memories will stay with me forever😊

[@anthonyyoung626]

Decades ago I went to the Florida GatorNationals with a friend. We were walking through the pit areas and stopped at Shirley Muldowney's pit area. We were watching her mechanics work on her dragster. Then, the motorhome door opened, Shirley came out and jaws dropped. Yes, she was absolutely stunning, but that is just a male's observation. She was also the most successful and famous female drag racer in America. We later watched her pilot her dragster down that quarter-mile.