Shirley Muldowney is a pioneering American drag racer, known for her significant contributions to the sport. Born on June 20, 1940, in Burlington, Vermont, she became the first woman to earn a license to compete in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) in 1973. Muldowney's career spanned several decades, during which she won three NHRA Top Fuel championships. Muldowney faced numerous challenges in a male-dominated sport but broke barriers and inspired many women in motorsports. Her achievements include over 18 national event wins and being inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2004.