Shirley Muldowney Net Worth: Career, Personal Life & Legacy

Shirley Muldowney, widely known as the First Lady of Drag Racing, is a motorsports legend celebrated for her remarkable achievements. Her estimated net worth in 2025 stands at $10 million, showcasing her financial success after a stellar career in drag racing. Born in Burlington, Vermont, Shirley broke through gender barriers to win multiple Top Fuel World Championships, solidifying her legacy as a pioneering female athlete.

Despite challenges like Shirley Muldowney’s horrific accident in 1984, she demonstrated unwavering resilience, inspiring countless racers. At 84 years old, Shirley continues to engage with fans through her official website, Facebook, and Instagram, keeping her extraordinary legacy alive in the world of motorsports.

Shirley Muldowney Biography

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Shirley Ann Roque
Nickname	First Lady of Drag Racing
Birthdate	June 19, 1940
Age	84 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace	Burlington, Vermont, USA
Profession	Professional drag racer, motorsports icon, and public speaker
Notable Titles	Top Fuel World Champion, Motorsports Legend, Pioneer for women in racing
Net Worth	$10 million
Primary Income Sources	Drag racing earnings, sponsorships, endorsements, and public appearances
Major Achievements	Four Top Fuel World Championships (1977, 1980, 1982, and more) – Inductee into the Motorsports Hall of Fame – Subject of the movie “Heart Like a Wheel”
First NHRA Win	1971, becoming the first woman to win an NHRA professional race
Family	– Ex-husband: John Muldowney – Long-term relationship: Connie Kalitta
Children	One son: John Muldowney Jr.
Height	5 feet 4 inches
Weight	Approximately 130 pounds
Nationality	American
Health Status	Active and maintaining good health despite age and past challenges
Key Events	– Shirley Muldowney’s horrific accident (1984) – Recovery and triumphant return to racing
Legacy	– Broke gender barriers in motorsports – Advocate for women in racing
Social Media Presence	– Facebook: Engages with fans through regular updates – Instagram: Shares glimpses of her life – Official Website: Maintains connection with supporters
Residence	New York
Known For	Breaking stereotypes, pioneering drag racing, resilience, and inspiring the world of motorsports

Who is Shirley Muldowney?

Often referred to as the “First Lady of Drag Racing”, Shirley Muldowney is celebrated for her immense contributions to motorsports. With her groundbreaking achievements, including winning four Top Fuel World Championships (1977, 1980, 1982), she became a household name.

Her ability to succeed in a male-dominated industry inspired countless female racers and left an indelible mark on the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association).Her determination was vividly portrayed in the movie “Heart Like a Wheel”, which showcased her life story and racing career. The film brought Shirley’s story to mainstream audiences, solidifying her status as a motorsports icon.

Shirley Muldowney Net Worth

Shirley Muldowney’s Net Worth in 2025 reflects her successful career in drag racing and her significant influence on the sport. As a motorsports icon, she made history as the first woman to win a major NHRA championship, achieving Top Fuel World Championships multiple times.

Her estimated net worth is around $10 million, built from income streams such as racing winnings, endorsements, and public engagements. Despite facing challenges like a horrific accident in 1984, Muldowney’s resilience and pioneering achievements paved the way for future women in motorsports. Her legacy continues to inspire, making her a legend in the world of motorsports.

Early Life and Racing Journey

Shirley Muldowney, born in Burlington, Vermont, displayed a passion for speed from a young age. Raised in a modest family, she was drawn to cars and engines, which later shaped her legendary career. Her journey into drag racing began as a teenager, racing on local streets before transitioning to professional tracks.

Shirley became a trailblazer, breaking gender barriers in the male-dominated world of motorsports. Her perseverance and love for high-speed competition earned her the title of the “First Lady of Drag Racing.” With the support of her husband, John Muldowney, she entered the NHRA circuit, where her skills and determination set the stage for her remarkable motorsports career.

Shirley Muldowney Today: Life After Racing

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shirley Muldowney (@shirley_muldowney_official)

After retiring from drag racing, Shirley Muldowney embraced life away from the tracks. Today, at 84 years old, she enjoys a quieter life, though she remains an influential figure in motorsports. She often attends events and public engagements, where her legacy as the First Lady of Drag Racing continues to shine.

Shirley stays involved in advocating for women in racing and frequently shares her story of resilience and breaking gender barriers. Although no longer racing, her impact on motorsports remains profound. Through interviews and appearances, she stays connected with her fans, offering support to future generations of drag racing enthusiasts.

Professional Career and Major Achievements

Shirley Muldowney’s professional career in drag racing began in the early 1970s, and she quickly rose to prominence. Known as the First Lady of Drag Racing, she made history by becoming the first woman to win a Top Fuel World Championship.

Her relentless dedication and innovative driving skills helped her break through the gender barriers in the male-dominated sport. Shirley’s career spanned several decades, and she earned multiple Top Fuel World Championships. Her success not only made her a motorsports icon but also paved the way for women in motorsports, leaving a lasting impact on the racing community.

Four Top Fuel World Championships: 1977, 1980, 1982, and more, solidifying her as a motorsports legend.
First woman to win a Top Fuel World Championship, breaking barriers in drag racing.
Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1990 for her groundbreaking contributions to the sport.
Featured in the biographical movie “Heart Like a Wheel”, which depicted her inspiring journey.
Overcame a horrific accident in 1984, returning to racing and continuing to achieve major milestones.
Inspired women in motorsports by proving the resilience of female racers in the male-dominated sport.

Personal Life: Relationships and Family

Shirley Muldowney’s personal life has been just as interesting as her racing career. She was married to John Muldowney, a mechanic who helped her with her drag racing cars. Their relationship was built on mutual support and respect for each other’s passions. However, they later divorced.

Shirley also had a significant relationship with Connie Kalitta, a fellow drag racing driver and owner of a team in the NHRA. Throughout her life, Shirley faced many challenges, but her family and close relationships provided her with the strength to overcome them. Today, she remains close to her family, continuing to inspire future generations of women in racing.

Challenges and Comebacks

Challenges and Comebacks have been a defining aspect of Shirley Muldowney’s career. Throughout her journey as a motorsports icon, she faced numerous obstacles, including breaking through gender barriers in the male-dominated world of drag racing. One of her most significant challenges was the horrific accident she experienced in 1984, which nearly ended her racing career.

However, Muldowney’s determination and resilience allowed her to make a triumphant comeback, earning multiple Top Fuel World Championships after the accident. Her ability to overcome setbacks not only solidified her as a pioneering female athlete but also as a role model for future generations of women in racing.

Shirley Muldowney Legacy in Motorsports

Shirley Muldowney’s legacy in motorsports is nothing short of groundbreaking. Known as the First Lady of Drag Racing, she shattered gender barriers and proved that women could excel in drag racing. Her four Top Fuel World Championships in 1977, 1980, 1982, and 1983 cemented her place as a motorsports icon.

Shirley’s achievements not only earned her respect in a male-dominated sport but also inspired countless female racers to pursue their dreams in motorsports. She became a symbol of resilience, advocating for women in racing and continuing to serve as a role model. Her influence can still be felt in the NHRA and beyond.

Lifestyle and Health in Her 80s

At 84 years old, Shirley Muldowney continues to live an active and fulfilling life. Despite the challenges of aging, she remains a strong advocate for health and well-being. Throughout her motorsports career, she faced many physical and mental obstacles, including her horrific accident in 1984, but her resilience has always been remarkable.

In her later years, she focuses on maintaining her health through regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle. As a motorsports legend, Shirley serves as an inspiration to fans, showing that age is no barrier to living a vibrant life. Her legacy continues to inspire young racers and enthusiasts alike.

Shirley Muldowney Age, Height, Weight

Attribute	Details
Age	84 years old (as of 2025)
Height	5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
Weight	130 lbs (59 kg)
Waist	26 inches (66 cm)
Shoe Size	6 US (37 EU)
Skin Color	Fair
Hair Color	Blonde

Shirley Muldowney’s Social Media

Shirley Muldowney stays connected with her fans through her active social media presence. She engages with her followers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where she shares insights into her life, career, and personal experiences. Despite being a motorsports legend, she uses these platforms to promote women in motorsports and her ongoing advocacy for breaking gender barriers.

Fans also get a glimpse of her hobbies and personal moments, adding a human touch to her iconic persona. Through her official website, Shirley Muldowney continues to share updates on her legacy, public engagements, and upcoming events, keeping her fan base connected and informed.

Conclusion

Shirley Muldowney has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on motorsports and the world of drag racing. Her achievements, such as four Top Fuel World Championships, have cemented her legacy as the First Lady of Drag Racing.

Beyond her career, Shirley Muldowney’s net worth reflects her success and resilience in the face of challenges. Today, she continues to inspire as a pioneering female athlete and advocate for women in motorsports. As Shirley Muldowney embraces life after racing, her enduring spirit remains a symbol of perseverance and triumph.