Shirley Muldowney Net Worth: Age, Bio, & Career As 2025
Shirley Muldowney Net Worth reflects her legendary status as a drag racing pioneer, estimated at around $10 million. Her groundbreaking career, including three NHRA championships, paved the way for women in motorsports. Even today, her legacy continues to inspire fans and racers worldwide.
It is a breaking barrier, few stories resonate as powerfully as Shirley Muldowney, the woman who earned the title of the First Lady of Drag Racing. With sheer grit and determination, she carved out a place for herself in a sport that seemed closed off to women. Shirley Muldowney is not just a name in the history of motorsports; she represents a groundbreaking moment where women took their place in the fast lane.
As the first woman to win the NHRA Top Fuel Championship, her career was filled with daunting challenges and exhilarating triumphs. This article will take you through her remarkable journey, highlighting the struggles she faced and the victories she achieved. By learning about Muldowney’s life, you’ll understand the importance of courage and tenacity in breaking down barriers.
Who Is Shirley Muldowney?
Shirley Muldowney, born on June 19, 1940, transformed the landscape of drag racing with her indomitable spirit and unmatched talent. Nicknamed Cha-Cha for her vibrant personality, she was more than just a competitor; she was a trailblazer who shattered gender barriers in a male-dominated sport.
Her fierce determination on the track not only earned her three NHRA Top Fuel championships but also inspired countless women to chase their dreams in motorsports and beyond.
Shirley Muldowney Bio
| Real Name | Shirley Muldowney |
| Nick Name | “First Lady of Drag Racing,” “Cha-Cha” |
| Shirley Muldowney Date of birth | June 19, 1940 |
| Place of birth | Burlington, Vermont. |
| Profession | American race car driver, Drag racer, Movie Actress |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Shirley Muldowney Age | 84 Years |
| Shirley Muldowney Height | 5,6″ |
| Weight | 62 KG |
| Husbands | Jack Muldowney (first husband, married at 16, later divorced), Rahn Tobler |
| Children | John Muldowney |
| Shirley Muldowney Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Belgium Benedict Roque, Mae Roqu |
| Debut season | 1958 |
| Championships | Three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion (1977, 1980, 1982) |
| Shirley Muldowney’s Net worth | Approximately $10 million |
Early Life And Education
Shirley Muldowney’s journey began in Burlington, Vermont, where her roots were firmly planted by Belgian parents, Benedict and Mae Roque. Growing up in Schenectady, New York, she was immersed in a world that would shape her indomitable spirit.
It’s fascinating to think that at just 16 years old, she earned her driver’s license, a milestone that would soon propel her into the fast-paced realm of drag racing. This early taste of freedom on the open road ignited a passion for her to shatter barriers in a male-dominated sport.
Shirley Muldowney Age
Shirley Muldowney, born on June 19, 1940, is a testament to resilience and passion in motorsports. As she approaches her 85th birthday in December 2024, her legacy as a pioneering female drag racer continues to inspire countless individuals.
Personal Life
Shirley Muldowney’s journey through love and racing is as dynamic as the drag strips she conquered. Having been married twice, her romantic life often mirrored the high-speed thrills of her career. In 1984, She faced one of the most harrowing moments of her life when she survived a near-fatal crash in Quebec, Canada.
This incident didn’t just test her physical resilience a fire within her that would redefine the landscape of motorsports. Instead of retreating into the shadows of fear, she emerged stronger, determined to advocate for women in racing, proving that courage and tenacity could shatter barriers that had long held female racers back.
She earned her NHRA pro license in 1965, Shirley was already a trailblazer, but the crash catalyzed her mission. The journey hasn’t been without heartache. Losing my son John in 2017 at the age of 59 left an indelible mark on my soul.
That tragedy transformed my advocacy into something more profound; it became a mission to inspire strength in others facing their battles.
Shirley Muldowney Husband And Children
At just 16, Shirley Muldowney stepped into the world of marriage with Jack Muldowney, a decision that would intertwine her personal life with her burgeoning passion for racing. By 1958, as they welcomed their son, John, Shirley was already beginning to carve out her identity on the racetrack at Fonda Speedway.
In 1986 she embraced a new chapter when she found companionship with Rohn Tobler. Their bond brought warmth and stability during a time when the racing world was both exhilarating and demanding. However, when Rohn passed away in 2006, it felt a significant part of her heart had been irrevocably altered.
Shirley Muldowney Height And Weight
At 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 136 pounds, Shirley Muldowney defies the typical image of a drag racing champion. Her stature may seem modest compared to the towering figures often seen in the sport.
Career
Starting her racing career in the 1950s on the streets of Schenectady, New York, she honed her skills in an environment where women were rarely seen behind the wheel of powerful machines. In 1973, Muldowney shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first woman licensed to drive a Top Fuel dragster, a feat that reverberated throughout the motorsport community.
The world of drag racing, carved her name into history with her remarkable achievements in the NHRA, clinching the World Championship three times in 1977, 1980, and 1982. One of Muldowney’s early highlights came when she triumphed at the Southern Nationals with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), a moment that would set the stage for her illustrious career.
This victory was pivotal, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination. With 18 career NHRA victories and an IHRA Championship under her belt, Muldowney didn’t just race; she redefined what it meant to be a competitor in drag racing.
Achievements
- Shirley Muldowney’s racing career ignited in 1958 at the Fonda Speedway.
- Shirley Muldowney’s triumph at the 1971 International Hot Rod Association Southern Nationals.
- She earned her Top Fuel license in 1973 with determination and an unyielding spirit.
- In 1975, Muldowney shattered the glass ceiling of drag racing by becoming the first woman to break the elusive 6.00-second barrier in a Top Fuel dragster.
- By 1976, she had shattered gender barriers and redefined what it meant to be a competitor in the male-dominated world of drag racing.
- By securing two more Winston championships in 1982.
- In the summer of 1984, she faced a serious crash in Montreal.
- In 2003, she retired from motorsports.
- Muldowney’s induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2005.
How Much Is Shirley Muldowney’s Net Worth?
Her journey to an estimated net worth of $10 million in 2025 is a testament to her groundbreaking achievements in the male-dominated world of drag racing. As one of the first women to carve a niche in this high-octane sport, her legacy extends far beyond the track.
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Yearly income | $500k |
| Monthly income | $ 42k |
| Daily income | $1.4k |
Comparison between Shirley Muldowney Net Worth & Drake Net Worth
Shirley Muldowney, the trailblazing drag racing legend, boasts a net worth of $10 million as of 2025. This impressive figure is a testament to her groundbreaking career and enduring legacy in motorsports. Known as the “First Lady of Drag Racing,” Muldowney shattered barriers in a male-dominated sport, earning numerous championships and accolades. Her wealth reflects decades of dedication, sponsorships, and her iconic status in racing history.
In stark contrast, Drake, the global music superstar, commands a staggering net worth of $250 million in 2025. His fortune stems from chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, lucrative brand deals, and savvy business ventures like his OVO label and partnerships with Nike and Apple Music.
While Muldowney’s wealth highlights her pioneering achievements in a niche sport, Drake’s financial success underscores his dominance in the entertainment industry and his ability to transcend music into a global brand. Together, their net worth illustrate two vastly different paths to success one rooted in breaking barriers on the racetrack, the other in conquering the world stage of music and pop culture.
Despite the disparity in their fortunes, both remain iconic figures in their respective fields, inspiring millions worldwide.
Shirley Muldowney Social Media Presence
| Platform | Link |
| Shirley Muldowney Official | |
| shirley_muldowney_official | |
| @ShirlMuldowney | |
| Official Website | Muldowney.com |
Conclusion
The story of Shirley Muldowney is not just one of racing, it’s a powerful narrative of breaking free from societal constraints and redefining what is possible. Her journey from an aspiring racer to a three-time Top Fuel champion is a vivid reminder that passion knows no gender.
As we consider her contributions to motorsports, we realize how vital it is for us to stand up for our dreams and support others in their pursuits. Her legacy encourages us to embrace challenges and strive for greatness, no matter the odds stacked against us.
