Another legend lost

[4onthefl4]

Pioneering NHRA female Funny Car racer Paula Murphy, Miss STP dies

Paula Murphy, who played a pivotal role in drag racing's formative years as the first woman licensed to drive a Funny Car, passed away Dec. 21.

www.nhra.com

R.I.P "Miss STP"

 

[Gone Dead Train]

AA/FC Paula in the seat-RIP

 

[sutton]

I met her many times. not only could she drive anything and drive great. she was also a very fine Lady.
Larry Sutton

 

[robinjackson]

It's a supreme irony that Paula Murphy and Don Schumacher should die a day or so apart. In July 1973 they and their Funny Cars were the chief attraction at Santa Pod Raceway's Petersen Publishing Internationals alongside several other US stars. See here for more information, via Eurodragster.com:

The 1973 Petersen Publishing Internationals at Santa Pod Raceway - Part 1

Don and Paula were both honoured at our British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala in 2016. It was the first time they had met since their Santa Pod appearance 43 years earlier.

Also via Eurodragster.com, here's a Petersen Automotive Museum tribute to Paula from this past May: