Shirley Brittany (2 Viewers)

[MHayes]

Shirley's quote is pretty telling of her countdown opinion: "To compare what I did to what I witnessed [Sunday] is laughable," Muldowney said. On the flip side , the format is different now and there are 24 races now versus 18 when she was racing. Not to mention the cars are considerably faster to 1,000 feet than she ever went in 1,320 feet.

After a quote like that from Shirley, if I was Brittany, I wouldn’t give a shit if Shirley called me or not, regardless of what she’s accomplished in the NHRA!

 

[Rajunz]

I agree Gordon, I totally respect what Shirley did in her era, she defeated all odds, just as Brittany did. Yes Brittany had A.J. on her side, but Shirley would have never been a Champion without Connie and Tobler.

That was also the era when you combined National and Divisional event races and points.

Dave, yes it was, so teams would tow to a podunk track in the middle of nowhere where 4 or 5 locals would show up just to pad their points. They also got the radio time and some got paid to show. That was little more than match racing to them.

 

[cantdrive55]

http://www.espn.com/espnw/sports/ar...top-nhra-top-fuel-class?addata=espn:rpm:index

Odd that Shirley is only quoted for basically less than a sentence. Where did those quotes come from? I don't recall seeing Shirley during any of the broadcasts; one would assume if she was there a camera would've found her. But then again her opinion of the countdown isn't exactly a secret; many here share the same sentiment.

 

[PJ]

Odd that Shirley is only quoted for basically less than a sentence. Where did those quotes come from? I don't recall seeing Shirley during any of the broadcasts; one would assume if she was there a camera would've found her. But then again her opinion of the countdown isn't exactly a secret; many here share the same sentiment.

Good point, it does seem odd that the only quote from her is that. Perhaps one of the racing websites can get some more out of her in a longer interview

 

[stitcherbob]

"When Muldowney won her three championships, it was a season-long battle. There was no six-race playoff in which the top 10 in points at the end of the regular season vie for the title. It's a format Muldowney describes as a "six-race crapshoot" instead of an 18-race championship.

Muldowney also won her championships racing on quarter-mile dragstrips, the sport's traditional length. The dragstrips were shortened from 1,320 feet to 1,000 feet in 2008 following Scott Kalitta's fatal crash.

"To compare what I did to what I witnessed [Sunday] is laughable," Muldowney said.

The NHRA began its playoff system in 2007, three years after NASCAR implemented its playoff format. Brittany entered this year's NHRA playoffs sixth in the standings, but then claimed three of her four season victories."


the quote is strange because it sounds like it was made during a different time (no lead in like "we talked with Shirley on Monday, after the race ,etc.) and the word Sunday was inserted by the author, not spoken by Shirley....

 

[mick]

i agree bob. the source and context of shirley's quote is vague.....the rest of the espn article is great.

 

[Billy]

Let me tell you a few things about Shirley since we've been friends for over 20 years and we worked together on her book back in 2003. Unlike the vast majority of former and current drag racers--many of whom I've also known for a long time--Shirley has never been a wishy-washy, go-along-to-get-along, think-one-thing-and-say-something-else phony who is afraid she may offend someone with her honesty. You probably know all about the bias, insults, taunts, hate, physical threats, dirty tricks, and endless discrimination she faced during her career. I guarantee you that many of those who are so quick to criticize her because of her toughness would have failed to survive the bullshit she fought through to win three NHRA championships and one AHRA title. You can talk about the length of the schedules in the "old days", the points system, etc. but when Shirley was out there in the 1970's and 1980's, teams didn't fly to all of the events, get rental cars to commute to and from the track while staying at the Marriott, enjoy 10,000 sq. ft. hospitality areas, make big bucks for winning races or championships, get interviewed on national television after every round win, or benefit from what championship teams receive in this day and age. Racers were hard, gritty, relentless sons-of-bitches that were racing to survive, taking whatever prize money they were lucky enough to win just to cover expenses and hopefully make it to the next race. The tracks were many times mud holes, unsafe in many respects, and run by unscrupulous owners and promoters that would screw a racer if he could pocket a few extra bucks--especially at the expense of a woman. Shirley didn't take any crap from anyone--still doesn't--and all she ever asked for were two things: the opportunity to race against men on an even playing field and some respect for what she accomplished. She never asked for special treatment, to be given any advantages because she was a woman, or any other act of chivalry. And every time she won a round or a race, it just added to the bitterness and resentment she faced from "the men". So here's the deal: you can dis her for not being a sweet, smiley, politically-correct, say-what-everyone-wants-to-hear Miss Congeniality and just keep her real feelings bottled up like so many racers today (Steve Torrence excluded), but just remember this: Shirley didn't win those races and championships while worrying what other people thought of her opinions and I can assure you she hasn't changed a bit. She's as tough as nails and there aren't many people--man or woman--who could have not only survived the endless crap she had to put up with but could have become a 4-time champion while dealing with it.

 

[Jeff]

Fair response Bill. I appreciate you taking the time. We are so engulfed with political correctness, that the thrash of racing and eaking out a living is often lost. Shirley was and is a special person, but you have to recall the context she lived in to truly appreciate her accomplishments and her point of view of what is happening today.

Personally, I take one round and one race at a time. In 2017 top fuel Torrence had one of the most dominating performances, but to add drama to the end we also have the playoffs .... and somewhat like the world series, the best team doesn't always win .... but it does add some drama to a long season and is entertaining to me. Well in 2017 the best baseball team won .... but maybe Top Fuel was a more arguable in terms of outcome.

 

[Marchboom]

What I hate about the countdown is that a racer can win every one of the 18 events prior to the countdown and all they get for all their hard work is a 30 point lead over the number 2 racer. Really? Something wrong there.

 

[TooTall999]

Let me tell you a few things about Shirley since we've been friends for over 20 years and we worked together on her book back in 2003. Unlike the vast majority of former and current drag racers--many of whom I've also known for a long time--Shirley has never been a wishy-washy, go-along-to-get-along, think-one-thing-and-say-something-else phony who is afraid she may offend someone with her honesty. You probably know all about the bias, insults, taunts, hate, physical threats, dirty tricks, and endless discrimination she faced during her career. I guarantee you that many of those who are so quick to criticize her because of her toughness would have failed to survive the bullshit she fought through to win three NHRA championships and one AHRA title. You can talk about the length of the schedules in the "old days", the points system, etc. but when Shirley was out there in the 1970's and 1980's, teams didn't fly to all of the events, get rental cars to commute to and from the track while staying at the Marriott, enjoy 10,000 sq. ft. hospitality areas, make big bucks for winning races or championships, get interviewed on national television after every round win, or benefit from what championship teams receive in this day and age. Racers were hard, gritty, relentless sons-of-bitches that were racing to survive, taking whatever prize money they were lucky enough to win just to cover expenses and hopefully make it to the next race. The tracks were many times mud holes, unsafe in many respects, and run by unscrupulous owners and promoters that would screw a racer if he could pocket a few extra bucks--especially at the expense of a woman. Shirley didn't take any crap from anyone--still doesn't--and all she ever asked for were two things: the opportunity to race against men on an even playing field and some respect for what she accomplished. She never asked for special treatment, to be given any advantages because she was a woman, or any other act of chivalry. And every time she won a round or a race, it just added to the bitterness and resentment she faced from "the men". So here's the deal: you can dis her for not being a sweet, smiley, politically-correct, say-what-everyone-wants-to-hear Miss Congeniality and just keep her real feelings bottled up like so many racers today (Steve Torrence excluded), but just remember this: Shirley didn't win those races and championships while worrying what other people thought of her opinions and I can assure you she hasn't changed a bit. She's as tough as nails and there aren't many people--man or woman--who could have not only survived the endless crap she had to put up with but could have become a 4-time champion while dealing with it.

Bill, I have nothing but the utmost respect for Shirley, but for her to say she laughs at what she sees now is unfair. It is a different world now in drag racing. Yes she is a pioneer in the sport, but racers like Brittany, Courtney, Leah, Erica et al are building on the legacy she started. They can't go back in time and start out like she did, but she should respect the fact that they are carrying the torch and representing women in drag racing.

 

[Billy]

I would never profess to speak for Shirley but I can tell you whether her comments are judged to be unfair or not, that's how she feels and would offer no apologies. I can also say that she and the Force family have great mutual respect but she can separate that respect from her honest opinions regarding the challenges of winning a Top Fuel championship as a woman racing in the current era and those she was confronted with.

 

[vlad the impaler]

When I was 2 I found math hard, now at 50 its easy.

 

[Mooseman]

I think the fact that we still have to make a big deal of a women winning means that the equality thing and pretty much what Shirley fought for has failed.

The fact that a women won should be irrelevant, meaningless, pointless to even acknowledge. Brittany won the championship as an equal racer, the fact that she is a women means nothing to her ability. She won as a driver.

 

[stitcherbob]

I think the fact that we still have to make a big deal of a women winning means that the equality thing and pretty much what Shirley fought for has failed.

The fact that a women won should be irrelevant, meaningless, pointless to even acknowledge.....

I seem to remember Antron winning and was hailed as the first African American Champion... if half the field was women or a different race, then maybe that utopia of equality everyone speaks of would exist

 

[stitcherbob]

I still find it great that our sport has women winning races and Championships, while Danica Patrick is hanging it up in NASCAR having reached third once......

 

[junglevsbrutus]

what, all 8 races?

It was a much different era. There were 3 associations offering national events w/ the other 2 paying the top stars to appear.
Plus, those "8" national events came in between income-guaranteed match races. Also, points had to be earned at NHRA division races too.
By the way, Shirley's 3 championship winning seasons comprised of 9 ('77), 10 ('80) and 12 ('82) national events.

 

[junglevsbrutus]

I guess I'm confused. The current countdown system has been in place for a decade and except for it's first year I don't remember the complaining to be as loud as this year. Is there a particular team/driver who has everyone's panties in a wad?

It's because the controversial match happened at the 2nd to the last event where points are extra crucial. There is more attention on points than let's say Charlotte just because time is running out to make up any losses. Plus, the race in question was blatant and the same thing occurred at Indy several years ago. In both cases the same champion was eventually crowned.

 

[vegasnitro]

Let me tell you a few things about Shirley since we've been friends for over 20 years and we worked together on her book back in 2003. Unlike the vast majority of former and current drag racers--many of whom I've also known for a long time--Shirley has never been a wishy-washy, go-along-to-get-along, think-one-thing-and-say-something-else phony who is afraid she may offend someone with her honesty. You probably know all about the bias, insults, taunts, hate, physical threats, dirty tricks, and endless discrimination she faced during her career. I guarantee you that many of those who are so quick to criticize her because of her toughness would have failed to survive the bullshit she fought through to win three NHRA championships and one AHRA title. You can talk about the length of the schedules in the "old days", the points system, etc. but when Shirley was out there in the 1970's and 1980's, teams didn't fly to all of the events, get rental cars to commute to and from the track while staying at the Marriott, enjoy 10,000 sq. ft. hospitality areas, make big bucks for winning races or championships, get interviewed on national television after every round win, or benefit from what championship teams receive in this day and age. Racers were hard, gritty, relentless sons-of-bitches that were racing to survive, taking whatever prize money they were lucky enough to win just to cover expenses and hopefully make it to the next race. The tracks were many times mud holes, unsafe in many respects, and run by unscrupulous owners and promoters that would screw a racer if he could pocket a few extra bucks--especially at the expense of a woman. Shirley didn't take any crap from anyone--still doesn't--and all she ever asked for were two things: the opportunity to race against men on an even playing field and some respect for what she accomplished. She never asked for special treatment, to be given any advantages because she was a woman, or any other act of chivalry. And every time she won a round or a race, it just added to the bitterness and resentment she faced from "the men". So here's the deal: you can dis her for not being a sweet, smiley, politically-correct, say-what-everyone-wants-to-hear Miss Congeniality and just keep her real feelings bottled up like so many racers today (Steve Torrence excluded), but just remember this: Shirley didn't win those races and championships while worrying what other people thought of her opinions and I can assure you she hasn't changed a bit. She's as tough as nails and there aren't many people--man or woman--who could have not only survived the endless crap she had to put up with but could have become a 4-time champion while dealing with it.

This is good post Bill, it must have taken quite a while to type out. Now let me tell you all of the reasons you are wrong.

Just kidding with ya Bill.

I took Shirley's "laughable" comment to mean 2 things. 1. That Brittany didn't have to clear the hurdles you so clearly outlined above and 2. Shirley was never handed points to get back in the race like the Countdown does now. I never took her comment as a personal slight to anyone. The article was clear as mud about it, and the author didn't ask Shirley to expand on her comments or just left them out. That's journalism across the board in 2017 though.

(begin ass kissing) Love your work on the auctions, you always manage to interject some humor and get plenty of cool drag racing references on the shows. (end ass kissing)

 

[T.Smith]

I still find it great that our sport has women winning races and Championships, while Danica Patrick is hanging it up in NASCAR having reached third once......

Apples and Oranges...

 

[Billy]

This is good post Bill, it must have taken quite a while to type out. Now let me tell you all of the reasons you are wrong.

Just kidding with ya Bill.

I took Shirley's "laughable" comment to mean 2 things. 1. That Brittany didn't have to clear the hurdles you so clearly outlined above and 2. Shirley was never handed points to get back in the race like the Countdown does now. I never took her comment as a personal slight to anyone. The article was clear as mud about it, and the author didn't ask Shirley to expand on her comments or just left them out. That's journalism across the board in 2017 though.

(begin ass kissing) Love your work on the auctions, you always manage to interject some humor and get plenty of cool drag racing references on the shows. (end ass kissing)

All ass kissing gratefully accepted. Figuratively not literally.