Carol Burkett

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Carol Burkett
Photo of Carol Burkett.jpg
NationalityAmerican
Born(1945-05-29)May 29, 1945[1]
Franklin, West Virginia
DiedApril 4, 2020(2020-04-04) (aged 74)
Alcohol Funny Car

Carolyn Burkett (May 29, 1945 – April 4, 2020)[2] nicknamed "Bunny", was an American Alcohol Funny Car driver. In 1986, Burkett became only the second woman to win a national title in a professional class,[3] following Shirley Muldowney.

History[]

Burkett was one of only a small number of women drag racing in professional classes.[3] She raced under both National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) sanctioning.[3] She began racing in the 1960s, and in 1995 was still in the sport.[3]

By winning the 1986 IHRA alcohol funny car (A/FC) national title, Burkett became only the second woman to win a national title in a professional class,[3] following Shirley Muldowney.

In September 1995, she was involved in a serious accident at that threatened to end her racing career. Near the traps, 's funny car crossed the centerline into the left lane, pushing Burkett's into the guardrail.[4]

Burkett got her nickname, "Bunny", because she had been a Playboy Club hostess.[3]

Bunny Burkett died on April 4, 2020, of natural causes.[2]

Personal life[]

Burkett was married, with two daughters.[4]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Bunny Tales: The Triumph of Bunny Burkett
  2. ^ a b "Pioneering female racer, national event winner Carol 'Bunny' Burkett passes away". NHRA. 2020-04-07. Retrieved 2020-04-07.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Washington Post online (retrieved 14 September 2018)
  4. ^ a b Washington Post online (retrieved 1 December 2018)

External links[]


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