NHRA News: Muldowney's Hall of Fame ceremony a chance to reflect on an historic life (6/5/2004)

Muldowney's Hall of Fame ceremony
a chance to reflect on an historic life

By Rob Geiger, NHRA.com
6/5/2004

"Who would have ever guessed that my life would turn out like this?"
– Shirley Muldowney

Iconic quarter-miler Shirley Muldowney recently took her rightful place among the immortals of racing with her induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Ala. The three-time NHRA champion joined CART winner Bobby Rahal, former NASCAR president Bill France Jr., hydroplane racer Bill Muncey, and NASCAR short-tracker Charles "Red" Farmer in the 2004 class.

Muldowney, No. 5 on the all-time list of NHRA greats, was a true pioneer in a sport dominated by men who didn't exactly welcome her into the fold. By joining the 107-member Hall, she becomes just the second female racer enshrined and only the fourth inductee from the world of drag racing.

"This makes me a three-time Hall of Famer," Muldowney said. "I already made the Motorsports Hall in Novi, Michigan (in 1991), and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame last year, but this one is special because it takes in all of motorsports, just like the one in Novi. For whatever reason, it just seems like this one is the top of the list in everyone's mind."

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame prides itself on honoring those who not only have distinguished themselves as the best in motorsports, but as people who are an important part of history. They search for those who have reached new heights while shaping the world of motorsports. Certainly Muldowney meets the criterion.

The 2004 Hall of Fame Class, from left, Bill France Jr., Charles "Red" Farmer, Shirley Muldowney, and
Bobby Rahal. Bill Muncey is deceased.
Cameras In Action

For more than 40 years, Muldowney went about destroying the gender barrier in drag racing by beating her male rivals at their own game in the sport's quickest and fastest category – Top Fuel. Her three NHRA titles and 18 national event wins came during a period of intense competition and limited race schedules, further punctuating her dominance.

Muldowney's list of drag racing accomplishments could fill many volumes, but certainly a few of the pinnacles came during her three championship years in 1977, 1980, and 1982. The first was so astounding the United States House of Representatives honored her with an Outstanding Achievement Award. The second and third titles truly set her apart as she became the first Top Fuel racer, male or female, to win two and then three world championships.

"I came along at exactly the right time," Muldowney said. "The timing with the women's movement, which I was never a part of even though the media and the PR people wanted that, turned out to be really good for me, I suppose.

"Hey, I was the fastest racer, the winningest racer, period. That's what I wanted. I never set my sights on anything to do with being the first woman to do this or that. I was just a racer, and I did it on my own for the most part, and every single bit of it was fun."

Muldowney by the placard that will hang in the Hall.
Cameras In Action

Although she fought the gender wars at the racetrack, Muldowney was obviously moved to be the second female in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Modified racer Louise Smith, who was introduced to the NASCAR world in the late '40s and early '50s by NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., faced many of the same obstacles as Muldowney during her 38-win career. Although she needs a wheelchair to get around these days, the 87-year-old made the trip to Talladega to celebrate Muldowney's induction.

"Her being there was just great," Muldowney said. "We had met several years ago at an auto show, and although she's getting on in years now, she was just lovely and absolutely delighted for me. I was able to spend some time with her and she told us all a few stories that we enjoyed so much. She's just a wonderful lady.

"Professionally, I have a lot of respect for Louise Smith. I can't imagine what she went through in the '40s and '50s. She must have really had her hands full. If people think it was tough for me, imagine what she had to face back then."

Muldowney said she thoroughly enjoyed the speeches of her fellow inductees and she was able to survive her own time in the spotlight despite a glitch in the system.

Muldowney trumpeted NHRA drag racing
during her acceptance speech.
Cameras In Action

"Speeches are not my cup of tea, I think everyone knows that by now," Muldowney said. "They had a Teleprompter there and even though I had never used one before I gave it a try because I didn't want to repeat something or be too frank and hurt someone's feelings. Well wouldn't you know, the Teleprompter went south midway through my acceptance speech and I had to find my way along without it.

"I did say I thought drag racing was the most exciting form of motorsports. When I said that I thought to myself, 'Oh God, I probably shouldn't have said that to this group.' But I did, and it's in my heart, and whether they liked it or not, I'm sorry, because it's just the way I feel."

From the world of drag racing, Muldowney joins a very elite list of International Motorsports Hall of Fame members including NHRA founder Wally Parks (1992), "Big Daddy" Don Garlits (1997), and Don "the Snake" Prudhomme (2000,) who attended the event in person.

"That certainly makes it that much more special," Muldowney said of the short roll call for drag racers. "I will tell you I heard a story about the year Garlits went in. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was in the audience and he said something while Garlits was giving his speech along the lines of, 'Wow, this guy is sharp.' Garlits is a wonderful speaker. I don't think they come any better, and Earnhardt Sr. caught on to what he was all about pretty quick and marveled at him."

NHRA President Tom Compton was on
hand for Muldowney's special night.
Cameras In Action

The ceremony, a full two-day affair leading into the NASCAR event at Talladega Superspeedway, which is adjacent to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, served as a time of reflection for Muldowney, who retired from racing last year.

"To be honest, it made me very sad that it all went so fast and that it's over," Muldowney said of her illustrious career. "I vividly remember being a street kid in my early teens with literally no direction in life. Who would have ever guessed that my life would turn out like this? It's just amazing to me.

"Things like this always make me think about the people I need to thank. Certainly Rahn [Tobler, husband and crew chief] is at the top of the list. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say I got lucky. I'm lucky to have met all the people I got to know as friends and the people I worked with over the years. I'm very, very lucky in many ways.

"I get literally hundreds and hundreds of letters and e-mails to this day asking, 'How do I get started?' and I don't have an answer. The way motorsports are structured these days I can tell you it takes way more than anything I ever had. Like I said earlier, I came along at just the right time, don't you think?"

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