In the exciting world of 1970s drag racing, one woman stood out from all others. Barbara Roufs became more than just a trophy girl – she was a star who changed how people saw women in motorsports. With her beautiful smile, long hair, and stylish gogo boots, Barbara brought glamour to the racing tracks of Southern California. At 29 years old, she was older than most trophy girls, but her confidence and warm personality made her unforgettable.
Personal Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barbara Roufs |
| Birth Year | 1944 |
| Birthplace | California, United States |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Famous For | Drag Racing Trophy Girl & Model |
| Active Years | Late 1960s – Mid 1970s |
| Notable Title | PDA Queen (1973) |
| Daughter | Jet Dougherty |
| Death | January 1991 (Age 47) |
Early Life and Background
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in California when car culture was becoming very popular in America. Her parents were Thelma Ruby Riles and Wayne Eldon Riley, who later became the first people to join the Clovis Hall of Fame. Barbara’s family loved motorsports. Her father enjoyed motorcycle racing at the Kearney Bowl racing track. She had three siblings and an adopted brother. Her mother ran a beauty salon in Clovis for 50 years, which influenced Barbara’s sense of style.
Rise to Fame
Barbara entered drag racing in the late 1960s when the sport was changing and growing. Trophy girls added glamour to competitions, and Barbara quickly became popular because of her natural charm. By 1970, she became the queen of the 6th Annual U.S. Professional Dragster Championship at Orange County International Raceway. In 1973, she earned the title of Professional Dragster Association (PDA) Queen.
What Made Barbara Special
Several things made Barbara Roufs different from other trophy girls. First, at 29 years old, she was much older than most who were usually in their early twenties. Her maturity brought confidence and professionalism.
Second, her style was unique. Barbara had long, straight brown hair, gogo boots from the 1960s, short shorts, and colorful tanks. While earlier trophy girls wore heavy clothes, Barbara’s generation wore lighter, more comfortable styles that matched the 1970s free spirit.
Third, Barbara had a warm personality. She talked with fans, engaged with racing teams, and made everyone feel welcome. People remembered her bright smile and genuine joy.
Personal Life
Barbara kept her personal life private. She was married, though her husband’s name has never been made public. She had a daughter named Jet Dougherty, born when Barbara was 29 years old.
Professional Success and Impact
Barbara’s work as a trophy girl and model was very successful. Her net worth reached around $1.5 million during her career. She appeared in magazines, posters, calendars, and trading cards across America. Her most famous moment came at the 1973 championship event with legendary racer Don Garlits.
Barbara helped change how women were seen in motorsports. She showed that women could be important parts of the sport with personality and professionalism. She helped attract new audiences to drag racing and inspired other women to join motorsports.
People Also Read: Who Is Kelly South? The Story of Kid Rock’s Former Partner and Mother of His Son
Photographer Tom West
Much of what we know about Barbara today comes from photographer Tom West, who took many photos of her during her trophy girl days. In 2016, he shared some old photos on social media, bringing new attention to her story. Barbara’s daughter Jet saw them and wrote a touching comment about how proud her mother would have been.
A Tragic End
Sadly, Barbara’s life ended too soon. She died in January 1991 at the age of 47 by taking her own life. The reasons have never been made public, and her family has kept these details private. Her death left a big gap in the drag racing community.
Legacy and Memory
Even today, people remember Barbara Roufs. Her photos continue to be shared online and collected by racing fans. She is remembered as the “holy grail” of trophy girls. Barbara’s story represents the 1970s – years of change, freedom, and new possibilities. She was confident, stylish, and unafraid to be herself in a man’s world. Today, she is seen as a pioneer who proved that women could have important roles in motorsports.
Conclusion
Barbara Roufs was more than just a pretty face at racing events. She was a cultural icon who helped shape 1970s drag racing. Her confidence, style, and warm personality made her unforgettable. Though her life ended in tragedy, Barbara’s legacy continues. She is remembered as one of the most important trophy girls in racing history, and her story reminds us that one person can make a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What made Barbara Roufs famous?
Barbara Roufs became famous as a drag racing trophy girl in the 1970s. She was known for her beauty, unique style with long straight hair and gogo boots, and warm personality. She became the PDA Queen in 1973 and was one of the most photographed women in the sport.
2. How old was Barbara when she became a trophy girl?
Barbara was 29 years old when she became most famous in the drag racing world. This was older than most trophy girls at the time, who were usually in their early twenties. Her maturity made her special and even more appealing to fans.
3. Did Barbara Roufs have any children?
Yes, Barbara had a daughter named Jet Dougherty. Jet was born when Barbara was 29 years old. In 2016, Jet wrote touching comments about her mother when old photos of Barbara were shared online, showing how proud she was of her mother’s legacy.
4. What happened to Barbara Roufs?
Barbara Roufs sadly died in January 1991 at the age of 47. She took her own life, though the specific reasons remain private. Her death was a great loss to the drag racing community and to everyone who knew and loved her.
5. Why do people still remember Barbara Roufs today?
People remember Barbara because she was an icon of 1970s drag racing and American culture. Her photos are still collected and shared online. She helped change how women were seen in motorsports and brought glamour and excitement to the sport. Her story continues to inspire new generations.
Read Next: Who Is Brody Tate? The Private Life of Janeane Garofalo’s Husband
