Lynn Prudhomme, the wife of the legendary drag racing superstar Don Prudhomme, has been an integral part of his life since their initial encounter in a high school art class in a Los Angeles area high school.
Transitioning from a girlfriend to the devoted wife of this iconic figure, Lynn has gracefully shared in the spotlight of his illustrious career over the decades.
Don Prudhomme, renowned as ‘the Snake,’ stands tall in the annals of American drag racing.
His stellar career has earned him prestigious inductions into both the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991 and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2000.
The Enduring Partnership of Don and Wife Lynn Prudhomme
Don Prudhomme and his wife, Lynn Prudhomme, have shared a lasting marriage spanning decades.
While Lynn has consistently avoided the limelight associated with her husband’s fame, she has been the bedrock of their family.
Amidst Don’s 35-year racing career, first as a driver and later as a team owner, Lynn maintained a semblance of normalcy for their daughter, Donna Lynn.
Throughout their journeys crisscrossing the country, Lynn’s steadfast support extended beyond the role of a racing spouse.
She assumed the crucial position of an effective team manager, a role often taken on by drag racing wives.
Acknowledging the inherent dangers of the sport, Lynn witnessed how a single catastrophic crash could instantly shatter a racer’s family.
This awareness prompted her to contemplate the need for a system that could provide both emotional and financial support to injured racers and their families.
Along with other drag racing wives, they co-founded what would evolve into the Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW).
Initially organized to assist Shirley with her medical expenses, DRAW swiftly transformed into a charitable organization.
Don Prudhomme Honored in Exclusive Exhibit
The San Diego Automotive Museum in Southern California unveiled an extraordinary permanent exhibit dedicated to Don Prudhomme.
This momentous occasion was marked by an exclusive grand opening on July 13, 2023.
This captivating display showcases over 100 of the prestigious NHRA Wallys that Prudhomme earned.
His illustrious career unfolded both as a driver and a team owner in NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car competitions.
The exhibit also features Prudhomme’s iconic fire suits and helmets.
Complementing the visual allure is a thoughtfully crafted video package capturing some of Prudhomme’s most remarkable moments on the track.
Recent interviews with Prudhomme himself enrich the narrative.
Expressing his gratitude, Prudhomme, accompanied by his wife Lynn and daughter Donna, remarked,
“It’s just a tremendous honor to be in this great museum and to have my career recognized here. I’m also proud to have NHRA recognized in this wonderful place for people to come and visit and learn a little more about drag racing.”
Nestled at 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, within one of the historic buildings of San Diego’s renowned Balboa Park, the museum provides an ideal setting for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the legacy of a racing icon.
