Shirley did switch from funny cars to top fuel dragsters after a fire, but it was Don Garlits who invented the rear engined top fueler after he had an engine blow up in front of him. He decided that having the wind blow the fire away from him instead of into his face was good idea. He was also one of several top drivers of the time to back Shirley's qualification for top fuel driver. Check out her bio page: http://www.muldowney.com/bio1.html