Shirley Muldowney Removes Herself From Land Speed Record Opportunity

HUNTERSVILLE, NC - December 2, 2015: Drag racing legend Shirley Muldowney has announced she will not participate in any land speed record attempt in Doug Herbert's proposed Streamliner car. An attempt at Muldowney capturing the all-time record for female drivers was announced two years ago when the idea to build the car was first formulated. "I won't be driving that car," Muldowney said. "I wanted to let Doug and any of his sponsors or potential sponsors know this publically so they can move on to bigger and better things when Doug attempts to set any records on his own or with another driver.

Shirley Muldowney

"I've recently joined a group that has a lot of plans for me in 2016 and beyond, and I won't have the time to learn how to drive a speed record car or to make all of the necessary passes. My schedule simply won't allow for it. I'm no longer associated with this land speed project in any way."

Muldowney, 75, a drag racing pioneer with four world titles who broke numerous barriers for female participants beginning in the 1960s, plans to be at numerous NHRA events next season. Known as "the First Lady of Drag Racing," Muldowney's life reaching the top of the sport was made into the iconic movie "Heart Like a Wheel."