Shirley Muldowney, Cindy Cisson, Stahl's Musem and more!
About this episode
Wayne Carini and Jay Ward celebrate Women's History Month by highlighting Shirley Muldowney's groundbreaking career in drag racing. They discuss her struggles breaking into a male-dominated sport, her fierce competitiveness against legendary racers, and the evolution of drag racing from grassroots to a costly, high-tech arena. Shirley shares insights on the technical aspects of fuel dragsters, the importance of driver feel, and the challenges of maintaining competitiveness with limited resources. The conversation also touches on nostalgia for the sport's earlier days and the impact of modern commercialization.
March is Women's History month, and on this episode of Talking Classic Cars, Wayne Carini sits down with Shirley Muldowney, the First Lady of Drag Racing, Cindy Cisson, Executive Director of Women in Motorsports North America and Terri Coppens, General Manager of Stahl's American Auto Experience for three great interviews conducted at the fabulous Savoy Automobile Museum in Cartersville, GA. Back in the studio, Wayne and Jay talk about what they've been up to the classic car market and what's coming up later this year.
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Women's History Month
"But most importantly, what I'm excited about is, it is Women's History Month. And we have so many great women in the world of automotive, which are finally getting recognized."
It's a special month where people celebrate what women have done in history, including in car racing and car building.
Women's History Month is an annual celebration recognizing the contributions and achievements of women throughout history, including in traditionally male-dominated fields like automotive and motorsports.
drag racing
"it was such a struggle for her to get into drag racing and then to get to the upper fields and beat all the all the big guys."
Drag racing is a kind of car race where drivers try to go as fast as possible in a straight line over a short distance.
Drag racing is a type of motor racing in which cars compete to be the fastest over a short, straight distance, usually a quarter-mile. It is known for its intense acceleration and high speeds.
motorsport
"the Shirley Moldowney story that really got so many people my age interested in that there was a woman in motorsport that it wasn't this all dudes club."
Motorsport means racing cars or motorcycles in competitions. People race to see who is the fastest or best at driving.
Motorsport refers to competitive sporting events involving motorized vehicles, including car and motorcycle racing. It encompasses various disciplines such as drag racing, Formula 1, rally, and more.
fuel pump
"It's a badass car, boy. I'll tell you, two fuel pumps. And that's what the PSI does."
A fuel pump is a part that moves gas from the car's tank to the engine so it can run. Some race cars have two pumps to send more fuel.
A fuel pump is a component that delivers fuel from the tank to the engine at the required pressure. In high-performance or racing cars, multiple fuel pumps may be used to ensure adequate fuel flow.
PSI
"two fuel pumps. And that's what the PSI does."
PSI is how we measure pressure, like how hard the fuel is pushed to the engine. Higher PSI means more pressure.
PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a unit of pressure measurement. In automotive contexts, it often refers to fuel pressure or turbocharger boost pressure.
eliminations
"Yeah, you go out and it's a series of eliminations. You know, one against the other."
Eliminations mean that if you lose a race against someone else, you're out and can't keep racing.
Eliminations in racing refer to a knockout format where competitors face off head-to-head, and the loser is removed from the competition.
qualifying
"They start out with the quickest 16 for qualifying and then come Sunday. That's race day."
Qualifying is like a time trial where drivers try to go as fast as possible to earn a good spot at the start of the race.
Qualifying is a process in racing where drivers compete to set the fastest lap times to determine their starting positions for the race.
one and done
"It's not like you can come back again. You're one and done. That's right."
One and done means you get only one try, and if you lose, you're out for good.
The phrase 'one and done' means that a competitor has only one chance to succeed; if they fail, they are immediately eliminated.
NHRA
"You know, we watch the NHRA on television now and you see these huge teams with all the sponsors and all this money."
NHRA is a big group that runs drag races, which are very fast car races in a straight line. They organize many races for people who like fast cars.
The NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) is the largest governing body for drag racing in the United States, organizing professional and amateur drag racing events.
hot rod
"If I had the, you know, my dad helped me build my hot rod, I could go out and you know, there's a class for every car."
A hot rod is an old car that someone has fixed up and made faster and cooler, usually by changing the engine and other parts.
A hot rod is a classic or vintage car that has been modified for higher performance, often associated with American car culture and DIY car building.
nitro methane
"The fuel cars fuel, meaning nitro methane. And, you know, I haven't been in probably 25 or 30 years."
Nitro methane is a special kind of fuel that drag racers use to make their cars go really fast. It helps the engine burn more fuel and makes the car super powerful.
Nitro methane is a highly combustible fuel commonly used in drag racing to produce extreme power output. It allows engines to burn more fuel and generate significantly more horsepower than conventional gasoline.
horsepower
"Yeah, you're talking like today, 10,000 horsepower. Yeah. And you were driving cars with how many horsepower?"
Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is. More horsepower means the car can go faster and accelerate quicker.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that quantifies the power output of an engine. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, directly affecting a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
fuel dragster
"And cubic inch always stays the same. And they put some limits on what used to be unlimited fuel dragster. Love the sound of that."
A fuel dragster is a very fast race car that uses special fuel to go super quick in a straight line for a short race.
A fuel dragster is a type of drag racing car that runs on nitro methane fuel and is designed for maximum straight-line acceleration over a short distance. These cars are known for their extreme power and speed.
oil pressure gauge
""Oil pressure gauge, which is the that's the X-ray of what's happening inside that engine and a PSI gauge.""
This gauge shows how much pressure the engine oil has inside the car's engine. Good oil pressure means the engine is getting enough oil to keep it running smoothly.
An oil pressure gauge measures the pressure of the oil circulating in the engine, which is critical for engine lubrication and health. It helps monitor the engine's internal condition and can indicate potential problems.
fuel pressure gauge
""And that what that does, that tells you fuel pressure and you want a certain pressure with the for the burnout, certain pressure for backing up at an idle and then pull on the fuel.""
This gauge shows how hard the fuel is being pushed to the engine. The right pressure helps the car run well, especially when doing things like burnouts or racing.
A fuel pressure gauge measures the pressure of fuel being delivered to the engine. Maintaining correct fuel pressure is essential for proper engine performance, especially in high-performance or racing applications.
burnout
""...you want a certain pressure with the for the burnout, certain pressure for backing up at an idle and then pull on the fuel.""
A burnout is when a car's wheels spin really fast but the car doesn't move forward, making the tires smoke. Drivers do this to get better grip before a race.
A burnout is a driving technique where the driver spins the wheels of the car while keeping the vehicle stationary, causing the tires to heat up and produce smoke. It's commonly used in drag racing to warm up tires for better traction.
throttle stop
""Now they have a throttle stop, which the driver gets in and just buries the throttle to the floor. And it can go just so far because they have a throttle stop on it.""
A throttle stop is something that stops the gas pedal from going all the way down, so the car doesn't go too fast or get out of control.
A throttle stop is a mechanical device that limits how far the throttle can open, controlling the maximum engine power output. This can help maintain control and safety during high-performance driving.
funny car
"Yeah, I sat behind it for a number of years, three years in the funny car. And I just got tired of getting burned."
A funny car is a special kind of race car used in drag racing. It looks different from regular cars and is built to go very fast in short races.
Funny cars are a type of drag racing vehicle with a custom-built chassis and lightweight body designed for very high speeds over short distances. They are known for their powerful engines and distinctive appearance.
Rookie of the Year
"Where she won Rookie of the Year awards that year."
Rookie of the Year means the best new driver in a racing season.
Rookie of the Year is an award given to the most outstanding first-year competitor in a racing series or sport.
Documentary
"Well, that's why this was a perfect opportunity to share a story not only with Shirley's documentary, but as you know, Wayne, we've done Betty Skeleton's boundless documentary, Polymerphy Undaunted. Those two documentaries alone have won well over 20 film festivals. Both were nominated for international motor form, international motor sports, film awards out of the UK."
A documentary is a movie that tells a true story or explains something real to help people learn about it.
A documentary is a non-fiction film that tells a real story or explores real events, often used to educate or inform viewers about a particular subject.
Morgan Organ Plus
"We do have, as you said, the World Tour Theater organ plus many other automated musical instruments. And we ..."
The Morgan Plus 4 is a small, old-fashioned sports car made in Britain that looks like cars from a long time ago. It is made by hand and is very light, so it is fun to drive. People talk about it because it mixes old styles with some newer parts.
The Morgan Plus 4 is a classic British sports car known for its traditional craftsmanship, lightweight design, and vintage styling. It combines modern mechanical components with a hand-built wooden frame, offering a unique driving experience. The Plus 4 is often discussed for its blend of heritage and driving enjoyment.
movie cars
"right up into the movie cars from the Great Race. Yes, and Chidi Chidi Bang Bang. Chidi Chidi Bang Bang."
Movie cars are special cars that you see in movies. They sometimes become famous because of the movies they are in.
Movie cars are vehicles that have appeared in films or television shows, often becoming iconic due to their screen presence. Examples include cars from movies like 'The Great Race' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.
Pebble Beach
"You know, Pebble Beach, the Troy Concord last year. One best in show there."
Pebble Beach is a famous car event where people show off very special and old cars. The best car there wins a big prize called 'Best in Show'.
Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is a prestigious annual car show held in California, showcasing some of the world's most beautiful and rare automobiles. Winning 'Best in Show' at Pebble Beach is considered one of the highest honors in the classic car world.
Leslie Special
""And the Leslie, one of the Leslie's that we have, the Leslie Special, that was Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood's car, we are sending down here to Savoy as well.""
The Leslie Special is a special car that was owned or used by famous actors Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood, making it well known to movie and car fans.
The Leslie Special is a famous car associated with actors Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood, known for its role in classic films or events.
Shelby GT500
"...t out, we have a Mustang, we've got a GT350 and a GT500. Oh, cool."
The Shelby GT500 is a special, very fast version of the Ford Mustang made to be even stronger and better to drive. It has a big engine and looks tough, so many people who like muscle cars really like it. It's one of the best Mustangs you can get.
The Shelby GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, developed by Carroll Shelby to deliver enhanced power and handling. It is known for its powerful V8 engine and aggressive styling, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts. The GT500 represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance in many generations.
Ford Mustang
"...he newest one that we just brought out, we have a Mustang, we've got a GT350 and a GT500. Oh, cool."
The Ford Mustang is a famous sporty car from America that lots of people like because it looks cool and goes fast. The GT350 and GT500 are special versions that are even faster and better to drive. People talk about them because they mix old-style muscle car looks with new technology.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car first introduced in 1964, known for its sporty design and performance. The GT350 and GT500 are high-performance variants that offer enhanced power and handling, making them popular among enthusiasts. These models are often discussed for their blend of classic muscle car heritage with modern engineering.
Chrysler Imperial
"...t's just an incredible piece. But the 31 Chrysler Imperial is one that I love to drive. The Tucker I love fo..."
The Chrysler Imperial is a very fancy and expensive car made a long time ago. The 1931 model is special because it was built with a lot of care and was very comfortable to drive. People like to talk about it because it shows how cars used to be made for rich people.
The Chrysler Imperial was Chrysler's luxury flagship model, especially notable in the early 20th century for its advanced engineering and opulent design. The 1931 Imperial is a classic example of pre-war luxury cars, admired for its craftsmanship and smooth ride. It is often discussed for its historical significance and collectible value.
Porsche 911
"Yeah. I've got a 76 911 S, my little blue car, what we call a little blue..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous fast car that has a unique shape and a special engine placed at the back. The 1976 911 S is an older model that many people love because it drives really well and looks great. It's popular because it has been made for a long time and still looks cool.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, first introduced in the 1960s. The 1976 911 S is a classic model prized for its performance and driving experience, often cherished by collectors. Its enduring popularity stems from a combination of engineering excellence and timeless style.
catalytic converters
"They put catalytic converters on the car, all this stuff and then it gets limped, limp mode into a smog station."
Catalytic converters help clean the car's exhaust so it doesn't pollute the air as much. They change bad gases into safer ones before they leave the car.
Catalytic converters are emissions control devices installed in a car's exhaust system to reduce harmful pollutants by converting them into less harmful gases before release into the atmosphere.
daily driver
"like a daily driver car does in terms of a mission."
A daily driver is the car you use every day to get around, like going to work or running errands.
A daily driver is a car that is used regularly for everyday transportation, typically reliable and practical for routine use.
car auction
"I've been out to Glendale, Arizona, where I was at the Mecom auction, which was kind of a fun auction."
A car auction is like a sale where people bid money to buy cars, sometimes special or rare ones.
Car auctions are events where vehicles are sold to the highest bidder, often including classic, collector, and rare cars. They can influence market trends and prices.
Ford Torino
"... crazy money for it. I did okay with my Talladega Torino that I took out at Glendale."
Pontiac was a car company that made strong and fast cars. The Talladega Torino is one of their famous muscle cars that was good for racing and had a big engine. People talk about it because it is a cool old car that many collectors like.
Pontiac was a brand of American automobiles known for producing performance-oriented vehicles like the Talladega Torino. The Talladega Torino is a classic muscle car celebrated for its racing pedigree and powerful V8 engine. Discussions often focus on its collectible status and motorsport history.
Chevrolet Corvette
"that I took out at Glendale. I think the Corvettes at Glendale went just crazy this year."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a well-known fast car from America that many people like because it looks sharp and is very powerful. It has been made in many versions over the years and is often seen at car shows and races. People enjoy it because it gives a lot of speed for the money.
The Chevrolet Corvette is America's iconic sports car, known for its powerful V8 engines and sleek design. The Corvette has evolved through multiple generations, often celebrated for delivering high performance at a relatively affordable price. Its presence at events like Glendale highlights its popularity among car enthusiasts and racers.
Cadillac Eldorado
"... across two cars over and there was a 67 Cadillac Eldorado, like brand new. I just love that design of that ..."
The Cadillac Eldorado is a big, fancy car that was very popular in the 1960s. The 1967 model looks stylish and has a strong engine, making it a nice car to drive and show off. People like it because it represents luxury and cool design from that time.
The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car that epitomized American opulence, especially in the 1960s. The 1967 Eldorado is celebrated for its bold styling and powerful V8 engine, making it a classic symbol of luxury and performance. It is often discussed for its distinctive design and cultural impact.
Buick Grand National
"Right, right. And that car was at the Grand National Roaster Show last year and you know, it's 67 Eldo..."
The Buick Grand National is a fast car from the 1980s that looks mostly black and can go very quickly. It was special because it had a turbo engine that made it strong. People like it because it was a powerful car that didn't look too flashy.
The Buick Grand National is a turbocharged performance version of the Buick Regal from the 1980s, famous for its dark color and impressive acceleration. It has a cult following due to its blend of muscle car power and understated styling. It is often highlighted for its significance in American performance car history.
retooling
"the way that they could retool, completely retool a car from the ground up year after year after year. There's nobody else that did it like General Motors. Honestly, no car company in the world, in the world in the 50s and 60s had more of a massive retooling for their cars."
Retooling means changing the machines and tools that make cars so they can build a new or different version of the car.
Retooling refers to the process of redesigning and rebuilding the manufacturing equipment and processes to produce a new or significantly updated version of a car, often involving changes to the body, interior, and mechanical components.
Buick Skylark
"...etooling for their cars. I think about a 53 Buick Skylark, radical car, right? 53 was that Eldorado Skylark..."
The 1953 Buick Skylark is a fancy and rare car from the early 1950s that looks very nice and was made to be comfortable. It was Buick's way of making a special car for people who wanted something elegant. People talk about it because it shows old-style American car design.
The 1953 Buick Skylark was a limited-edition luxury convertible that showcased Buick's styling and engineering prowess in the early 1950s. It is notable for its elegant design and was part of Buick's effort to compete in the luxury market. The Skylark is often discussed for its classic American automotive design.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
"So the weekend after, we'll be down at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Smith Invitational."
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a big race track where car races happen, especially NASCAR races. People also gather there for car shows and events.
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a famous motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, known for hosting NASCAR races and various automotive events.
car clubs
"And then there's a huge gathering of car clubs on the inside. So it's quite a day at Charlotte."
Car clubs are groups of people who like cars and meet up to show their cars and have fun together.
Car clubs are groups of automotive enthusiasts who gather to share their passion, organize events, and showcase their vehicles.
Bertone
"yes, he worked under Bertone, but this is the guy who designed"
Bertone is a company from Italy that designs cars. They helped make some famous and beautiful cars in the 1960s and 1970s.
Bertone is an Italian design and coachbuilding company known for creating iconic car designs, including many by Marcello Gandini such as the Lamborghini Miura and Lancia Stratos.
Lamborghini Miura
"...s of the 60s. We're talking about the Kudash, the Miura, the 308 GT4, actually, the Lancia Stratos."
The Lamborghini Miura is a very fast and beautiful car made in the 1960s. It was one of the first cars to put the engine in the middle, which helped it go faster and handle better. People talk about it because it changed how sports cars were made and looks amazing.
The Lamborghini Miura, introduced in the 1960s, is often credited as the world's first supercar, featuring a mid-engine layout and stunning Italian design. It revolutionized sports car engineering and remains one of the most celebrated classic Lamborghinis. Its mention highlights a milestone in automotive history and exotic car culture.
Lancia Stratos
"...ash, the Miura, the 308 GT4, actually, the Lancia Stratos. Right."
The Lancia Stratos is a small, very fast car made for racing on rough roads in the 1970s. It won many important races because it was built to be quick and easy to handle. People like to talk about it because it was one of the best rally cars ever.
The Lancia Stratos is a legendary rally car from the 1970s, renowned for its compact design and exceptional performance in motorsport. It was designed specifically for rally racing and won multiple World Rally Championships. Its mention often relates to its unique engineering and rally heritage.
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