Barbara Roufs was a drag racing champion from the United States who died in January 1991. She was one of the most gorgeous athletes who inspired the competitors.
She was born in 1944 in Southern California, which was her home country. She became a Drag Race Trophy Girl in America.
She was known for her great beauty as a young woman. She also brought a lot of energy and happiness to the group.
She died in 1991 when she was 47 years old. This short biography will tell you about her career, wealth, and marriage. You will also find out the reasons for her death and the story of Barbara Roufs.
Key Takeaways:
Barbara Roufs was a remarkable woman who left a lasting impression in the drag racing industry and beyond. Here are some inspiring takeaways from her life:
- She pursued her passion for speed and adventure, becoming a trophy girl and a model in a male-dominated sport.
- She embraced her beauty and charisma, wearing short shorts and go-go boots, and becoming a symbol of liberation and grace.
- She balanced her professional and family life, having a child and a husband, and being a loving mother and a cherished figure.
Barbara Roufs: A Drag Racing Legend
Barbara Roufs joined the drag racing industry as a trophy girl in the early 1970s, when the industry had grown from its peak in the 1960s.
The vehicles had changed from the older models to the newer ones. The old dragsters became fuelers with the driver sitting behind the engine. The auto texts also improved over time.
The prizes for the racers changed as well. The women’s hair grew longer, their shorts became smaller, and their bras disappeared.
Barbara was the perfect trophy girl with her long straight hair, breezy tank tops, and retro 1960s go-go boots. She had the height, physique, and beauty that only suited that role during the Professional Dragster Association era on the California roads. She earned a name for herself by adding thrill and energy to the races.
Her Professional Career
Barbara worked as a drag racing trophy girl in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She dominated the Orange County International Raceway’s sixth annual United States Professional Dragster Championship. She also became the PDA (Professional Dragster Association) champion in 1973.
Barbara was loved by the racers and the fans, even when she was older. Her beauty made her valuable for the producers and other businesses that wanted to sell their products to the drag racing fans. Barbara became so famous that her face was seen on ads and t-shirts. She was praised for bringing life to the drag races.
Barbara Roufs Personal Life
Barbara Roufs was a key figure in the drag racing industry as it changed in the 1970s from its peak in the 1960s. The racers also changed their old models for new ones with stronger engines. Barbara gave trophies to the winners. But her stunning beauty made her a star in the PDA.
Her Family Life
Barbara had a child and a husband. She had her child, Jet Dougherty, when she was 29. The name of her husband is still unknown.
In 2016, everyone was shocked when famous photographer Tom West posted old photos of Barbara Roufs’ daughter.
Jet Dougherty shared some of her mother’s memories on Facebook. She said that her life was short but full of adventure. She also hoped to find true happiness when she saw her mother online.
Barbara’s granddaughter, Crystal Dougherty, was also happy to see the photos. She wrote that she sees her beauty and feels confident.
Barbara Roufs Death
Barbara’s daughter Jet said that her mother died in 1991. The cause of her death was suicide. The reason for her suicide was not known.
She was 47 when she died. She lived in Fresno, California, with her family before she died.
Her Net Worth
Barbara worked as a model and a drag race trophy girl in the 1970s. It was not clear how much the trophy girls made. But she did get money from salaries. Some of Barbara’s famous 1970s photos are available online. Her estimated net worth was $1.5 million.
Conclusion
Barbara Roufs was a model and a drag racing champion from Southern California. She rose to fame in the 1970s when drag racing introduced new cars. She stood out from the other trophy girls because of her age, which was 29. She also had a unique look with long straight hair and 1960s go-go boots.
Sadly, she took her own life in January 1991.
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