Shirley Muldowney Biography
Shirley Muldowney is an American auto racer who was born and brought up in Burlington, Vermont, United States of America. Muldowney is professionally known as “Cha Cha” and the “First Lady of Drag Racing” She was the first woman to receive a license from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a Top Fuel dragster.
Muldowney won the NHRA Top Fuel championship in 1977, 1980, and 1982, becoming the first person to win two as well as three Top Fuel titles. She began street racing in the 1950s and married Jack Muldowney, who built her first dragster.
Muldowney retired from racing in 1984, but she has remained active in the sport as a television commentator and spokesperson. She is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
10 Quick Facts About Shirley Muldowney
Here is a list of 10 quick facts about Muldowney.
- Name: Shirley Ann Roque
- Age: 84 years old
- Birthday: 19 June
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Auto Racer
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $1 Million
Shirley Muldowney Age
Muldowney is 84 years old. She was born on 19 June 1940, in Burlington, Vermont, United States. She celebrates her birthday on June 19 every year and her birth sign is Gemini.
Shirley Muldowney Height
Muldowney stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m).
Shirley Muldowney Weight
Muldowney weighs 71 kg (156 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Shirley Muldowney was born Shirley Roque on June 19, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont. She grew up in Schenectady, New York, with her father, Belgium Benedict, a taxicab driver and professional boxer, and mother, Mae, who worked in a laundry.
Muldowney was a tomboy who loved cars and racing from a young age. She began street racing in the 1950s and married Jack Muldowney, who built her first dragster. She received her NHRA license in 1965 and began competing in Top Fuel events in 1973.
Muldowney was a pioneer in drag racing and faced sexism and discrimination throughout her career. She was often the only woman competing in Top Fuel events and was subjected to jeers and insults from spectators. However, she persevered and became one of the most successful drag racers of all time.
Rise to Fame
Shirley Muldowney’s rise to fame began in the early 1970s, when she became the first woman to compete in Top Fuel dragster events. She quickly proved herself to be a talented driver and began to rack up wins.
In 1977, Muldowney became the first woman to win the NHRA Winston world points championship, the most prestigious title in drag racing. She went on to win the championship again in 1980 and 1982.
Muldowney’s success came at a time when women were still underrepresented in drag racing. She faced sexism and discrimination throughout her career, but she never gave up. She was a pioneer in the sport and helped to pave the way for other women racers.
Muldowney’s rise to fame was also due to her personality and charisma. She was a larger-than-life figure who was known for her sense of humor and her ability to connect with fans. She was also a savvy businesswoman who used her fame to promote her sponsors.
Shirley Muldowney Family, Parents
Muldowney was born to her parents Belgium Benedict Roque (Father) and Mae Roque (Mother) in Burlington. She belongs to the American nationality and white ethnicity.
Shirley Muldowney Siblings
Muldowney was born and raised by her parents in Vermont. Our efforts to find out more about her family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, it is not known if she has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.
Shirley Muldowney Husband
Muldowney has been married twice. She was first married to Jack Muldowney from 1956 to 1972. She marred Jack when she was 16, and Jack was 19 years old, who built her first dragster. She then married Rahn Tobler from 1988 to 2006.
Shirley Muldowney Son
Muldowney and her first husband Jack Muldowney have one child together, a son named John Muldowney. John died of a blood clot on April 28, 2017, at the age of 59 in Springfield, Mo. John Muldowney was the only child of Shirley Muldowney and her first husband Jack.
Shirley Muldowney Net Worth
Muldowney has an estimated net worth of $1 million. This includes her Assets, Money, and Income. Her primary source of income is her career as an auto racer. Through her various sources of income, Shirley has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Facts: Everything You Need to Know About Shirley Muldowney
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Muldowney.
Shirley Muldowney Bio
- Full Names: Shirley Ann Roque
- Popular As: “Cha Cha” and the “First Lady of Drag Racing”
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Auto Racer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 84 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Date of Birth: June 19, 1940
- Place of Birth: Burlington, Vermont, USA
- Birthday: June 19
Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)
- Weight: 71 kg (156 lbs)
- Eye Color: Hazel
- Hair Color: Blonde
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Belgium Benedict Roque
- Mother: Mae Roque
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Husband/Spouse: Jack Muldowney (1956–1972), Rahn Tobler (1988–2006)
- Dating / Boyfriend: Single
- Children: Sons (John Muldowney) Daughter(s) (None)
Net worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $1 Million
- Salary: Not Available
- Source of Income: Her career
House and Cars
- Place of living: Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
- Cars: Not Available
Contacts
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