Goddesses of Today: Shirley Muldowney
This is an exciting time for women in motor sports. Danica Patrick's driving has made her an international celebrity, and dozens of other women are competing at all levels of auto racing. But the roots of this story go back quite a bit further than many racing fans realize.

Forty years ago, auto racing was much more a fringe sport than it is today, and it was even more of a "boys' club." Even with the rise of the women's liberation movement, the notion of a woman behind the wheel on a competitive course was considered laughable to most racing insiders - but not to Shirley Muldowney.

Born June 19, 1940, Muldowney fell in love with fast cars and powerful engines in her twenties. After participating in some local races in upstate New York, Muldowney burst onto the national scene in the mid-1960s, driving her supercharged dragster alongside dubious and frequently scornful male drivers. She soon graduated to funny car racing, a faster, more dangerous field that saw racers covering a quarter mile in six seconds, at speeds of 200-plus miles per hour.

Throughout her career, Shirley Muldowney faced all of the discrimination and chauvinism one might expect, but she established a reputation as a woman who gave as good as - or better than - she got. Reporters looked forward to her outspoken statements at pre-race press conferences, and any man hurling an insult her way could expect a blistering, none-too-delicately-worded retort.

Being a women's pioneer would be noteworthy enough, but Shirley Muldowney was also a mighty fine race car driver. Over her nearly 40-year racing career, she racked up one of the sport's most impressive records, including three National Hot Rod Association championships, one American Hot Rod Association world championship and numerous "Racer of the Year" awards from various groups. Upon her retirement in 2003, she was voted into the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a genuine trailblazer.

Product Highlight
Our sporty QuikWik V-Neck Tee is sleek and easy-moving, a perfect piece for summertime sports or anytime casual wear. The poly/Lycra blend of our exclusive QuikWik fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly and is treated with an antimicrobial, odor-resistant finish, making this active top durable enough for a day at the gym, yet fashionable enough for a trip to the mall.