This is the story (more or less) about the rise of Top Fuel drag racing legend Shirley Muldowney. It stars Bonnie Bedelia as Muldowney, who is trying to break into what was a man's sport. She encountered chauvinistic men who were either outright opposed to her racing or were condescending, many considering her nothing more than eye candy. One man, Connie Kalitta, played by Beau Bridges, believed she could make it against the men. He became her sponsor and lover. The relationship was a tempestuous one and it didn't last but it got her started. Once she began to beat the men, they began to respect her as a driver and a person. She went on to win many races and, eventually, 3 Top Fuel championships. She survived a horrible crash and fire but climbed right back into a car as soon as she could. Shirley has since mostly retired from racing and now runs only a few match races each year. But she left a legacy and inspiration for women drivers in various motorsports that endures today.
Review of Heart Like a Wheel
