Carolyn Burkett (May 29, 1945 – April 4, 2020) 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,''Washington Post'' online
(retrieved 14 September 2018) following

Shirley Muldowney Shirley Muldowney (born June 19, 1940), also known professionally as "Cha Cha" and the "First Lady of Drag Racing", is an American auto racer. She was the first woman to receive a license from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) to drive a T ...

History

Burkett was one of only a small number of women

drag racing Drag racing is a type of motor racing in which automobiles or motorcycles compete, usually two at a time, to be first to cross a set finish line. The race follows a short, straight course from a standing start over a measured distance, most c ...

in professional classes. She raced under both

National Hot Rod Association The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is a drag racing governing body, which sets rules in drag racing and hosts events all over the United States and Canada. With over 40,000 drivers in its rosters, the NHRA claims to be the largest motorspo ...

(NHRA) and

International Hot Rod Association The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is the second-largest drag racing sanctioning body after the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). The Carrier Era 1971-1987 The IHRA was formed in November 1970 by businessman Larry Carrier. Througho ...

(IHRA) sanctioning. She began racing in the 1960s, and in 1995 was still in the sport. 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, following

. In September 1995, she was involved in a serious accident at Beaver Springs Dragway that threatened to end her racing career. Near the traps, Carl Ruth's funny car crossed the centerline into the left lane, pushing Burkett's into the guardrail.''Washington Post'' online
(retrieved 1 December 2018) Burkett got her nickname, "Bunny", because she had been a

Playboy Club The Playboy Club was initially a chain of nightclubs and resorts owned and operated by Playboy Enterprises. The first Playboy Club opened in Chicago in 1960. Each club generally featured a Living Room, a Playmate Bar, a Dining Room, and a Club R ...

hostess. Bunny Burkett died on April 4, 2020, of natural causes.

Personal life

Burkett was married, with two daughters.

Notes

External links

Bunny and the Boys Racing Team official websiteRiding Mode
(bio page)
Chicago Now online
(bio page) 1945 births 2020 deaths Sportspeople from West Virginia Dragster drivers Female dragster drivers American female racing drivers Playboy people 21st-century American women {{US-autoracing-bio-stub Racing drivers from West Virginia