Shirley can act like how ever she wants , as I said in another post drag racers set out to be drag racers not role models they only became role models because of what they choose to do for a living or hobby .
Of course she has every right to say and act however she wishes.
I never think of a racer as a role model, but I sure admire and try to emulate a lot of their tireless work ethic, bravery, and sheer determination/force of will.
I think those qualities are well served to try to hold as standards for any of us.
As far as Shirley, while she had it harder than most in the beginning to succeed, later on in her career her gender became an asset.
I was just referring to what her printed opinion of Connie was.
So they had differences, but she went further to call him a "hack", and a "butcher".
Also that he had very little to do with her career
My Mom, who is 85, and got hooked on watching racing almost since I did, and still does, and can name many fuel and pro Stock drivers
, once said she "thought very little of her (Shirley)", as she absolutely DUMPED a loving dedicated husband and child to "go off and do what she wanted".
Geeeeeeez, that was even glorified in the movie, like she was a victim.
Gimmie a break.
Now, of course, many men do exactly the same thing, and are never called on the mat for it. Yup, a double standard.
However she had some "things" that men do not have going for them to get what they want.
Truthfully I hold her in the same regard, a "legend" in the sport, but no better that many she pointed fingers at on the way up and is trashing now.
Boo Hoo
REX