In 1971, at the age of 31, in her first national event start, Shirley Muldowney raced at the U.S. Nationals in, surprisingly, a nitro Funny Car. Her racing career in a fuel coupe was a short one, and it wasn't long after returning to Top Fuel dragsters that she went on to win three NHRA championships, an AHRA title, and in 1982, the 27th running of the "Big Go". Her Indy win was unquestionably the high point of her tumultuous career, so much so that her Michigan license plates proclaim, "I 1 Indy."

Now, as the 49th Mac Tools U.S. Nationals step off at Indianapolis Raceway Park this weekend, Muldowney prepares for her last appearance at the sport's most fabled event, and after so many memorable drag racing moments festooned across the span of a 30-year saga, the 63-year-old legend is ready to rest and relax.

"I'll miss a few things out here," she said Friday at IRP as she was signing autographs for an enthusiastic mob of fans which can usually be found at her transporter wherever she races. "I'll miss the driving part of all this, that's for sure. That's always been the best thing about doing this, the actual racing. But the business aspects of drag racing take time and effort and I can honestly say I won't miss that too much."

	Shirley Muldowney takes off in a cloud of smoke during qualifying for the 1974 NHRA Winternationals at Pomona Raceway.

The sport's first woman champion and a fierce competitor who became famous as much for her driving abilities as her "take-no-prisoners" personality will be returning to her beloved family farm in Armada, Mich., once the 2003 season ends in November. But she not only takes great pride in what she has accomplished in racing, she takes exceptional delight in the future plans of her husband and tuner, Rahn Tobler, who will move to Connie Kalitta's Top Fuel team in 2004, which has expanded to a two-car effort with the addition of Kalitta's son and two-time Top Fuel champion, Scott.

"That's what really gives me a great feeling," said Muldowney. "Knowing Rahn will be working on a first class team that can allow him to run a car the way we know he can is super. He deserves it and I know it's a perfect opportunity for him."

With Muldowney's retirement, a huge historical cornerstone of the NHRA's 52-year heritage will go with her. Her three championships in 1977, 1980 and 1982 were testaments to her skills as a driver as she battled week after week with such Top Fuel legends as three-time champion "Big Daddy" Don Garlits, 1981 champion Jeb Allen, 1983 champion Gary Beck, 1976 champion Richard Tharp, 1987 champion Dick Lahaie, and five-time champion Joe Amato. Every woman who has ever competed in a professional drag racing category owes her a debt of gratitude and those who have yet to do so can thank her for knocking down the doors of sexism which once existed throughout motorsports. Her presence will surely be missed.

And although she'll have many fond memories to reflect on once she hangs up her helmet, she realizes the time has come to move on. "I'll miss the fans and how they've always supported us," she adds. "But I won't miss signing the autographs. I am really tired of signing my name!"

After 30 tremendous years of drag racing excellence, Shirley Muldowney has earned some time off.

Bill Stephens covers the NHRA for ESPN and ESPN.com.