Paula Murphy

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  Paula Murphy was a pioneering female racer who earned the title “The Fastest Woman on Wheels” through her groundbreaking achievements across multiple motorsports disciplines, including drag racing, stock car racing, and land speed racing.

  EARLY YEARS

  Born on June 16, 1928, in Ohio, Paula was influenced by her father Paul, a tool designer and speed enthusiast. After earning a degree in Physical Education, she moved to Southern California in 1953 with her husband and son. Following her divorce three years later, Paula worked at an aerospace firm where colleagues introduced her to local drag races, igniting her passion for motorsports.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  Murphy’s racing career took off quickly after discovering women’s classes in drag racing. In 1963, she set her first significant record, driving a Studebaker Avanti from Los Angeles to New York City in 49 hours and 37 minutes with Barbara Niland. That same year, she established a women’s land speed record of 161mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Her early accomplishments continued when she became the first woman to drive a jet-engined car on the Bonneville Salt Flats and the first to earn an NHRA Fuel Funny Car license.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 1963: Set a women’s land speed record of 161mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in a factory-sponsored Studebaker Avanti[5].
  • 1963: Set four transcontinental speed records with Barbara Niland, including one from Canada to Mexico in a Studebaker Avanti[5].
  • 1965: Drove an Avenger jet car to 243.33 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats[4].
  • 1966: Became the first woman to earn an NHRA license to drive in nitro classes, specifically in Funny Car[4].
  • 1968: Broke the 200-mph barrier in drag racing[1].
  • 1971: Set a closed-course record at Talladega in a NASCAR Cup car, driving Richard Petty’s No. 43 Dodge stock car to 172.336 mph[4].
  • 1973: Visited England for a series of races with Don Schumacher[1].
  • 1974: Set a women’s closed course speed record at Talladega in Richard Petty’s No. 43 Dodge stock car[4].
  • 1976: Returned to drag racing with a B/Modified Datsun[2].

  REPUTATION

  Known as “Miss STP,” Paula became a media sensation not just for her achievements but also for her radiant personality that challenged stereotypes of women in racing. Her determination and natural talent earned her induction into prestigious halls of fame, including the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame in 1992 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2017. Throughout her career, she set over 360 world speed records and broke numerous barriers in the male-dominated motorsports world, establishing herself as a true pioneer whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  Paula Murphy passed away on December 21, 2023, at the age of 95.

  References:

  Remembering the Great Legacy of Race Car Driver Paula Murphy
  Paula Murphy – Trendsetting Woman on Wheels
  STP Racing Pioneer – Paula Murphy “Miss STP”
  Pioneering NHRA female Funny Car racer Paula Murphy, ‘Miss STP,’ dies
  Paula Murphy