Barbara Roufs was a drag racing icon in the 1970s, known for her stunning beauty and charisma as a trophy girl and model. She was a symbol of grace and glamour in a sport dominated by speed and power. However, her life came to a tragic end in January 1991, when she committed suicide at the age of 47. What led to her demise and how is she remembered today?
Early Life and Career
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in Southern California, where she grew up with a passion for drag racing. Her father, Wayne Eldon Riley, was a motorcycle and racing enthusiast who inspired her love for adventure. Her mother, Thelma Ruby Riley, owned a beauty salon for 50 years and was a church organist.
Barbara started her career as a trophy girl in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a pivotal period in drag racing’s evolution. She became the 1973 PDA (Professional Dragster Association) queen, a prestigious title that made her a celebrated figure in the racing community. She was one of the oldest trophy girls at 29, but her physique and allure captivated racers, fans, and businesses alike.
She was not just a pretty face; she was also a savvy marketer who used her image to promote various products, especially clothing items. She appeared in branded t-shirts and advertisements, adding life and glamour to the drag racing competition. She also interacted with pit crews and drivers, becoming a cherished part of the sport.
Personal Life and Death
Barbara Roufs was married and had a daughter, Jet Dougherty, whom she gave birth to when she was 29. Little is known about her husband, but it is clear that Barbara balanced her family and career with grace and dedication. She quit her job as a trophy girl in the late 1970s, presumably to focus on her personal life.
However, something went wrong in her life that led her to take her own life in January 1991. The exact reasons for her suicide are unknown, but it is speculated that she suffered from depression or other mental health issues. Her death shocked and saddened the drag racing community, who mourned the loss of a legend.
Legacy and Impact
Barbara Roufs left a lasting legacy in the world of drag racing, where she is still remembered and admired today. She was a trailblazer who defied traditional norms and embraced a more liberated dress code, sporting short shorts and eschewing bras. She was a symbol of beauty and grace in a sport that was often seen as rough and masculine.
She also played a crucial role in shaping the drag racing landscape during a period of technological advancements and changing car models. She contributed to the sport not only aesthetically, but also culturally and economically. She was a pioneer who paved the way for other women to enter and excel in the sport.
Barbara Roufs was a drag racing legend who lived a life of adventure and glamour, but also faced a tragic end. She was a woman who had it all, but also lost it all. She was a star who shone bright, but also burned out. She was a hero who inspired many, but also left many heartbroken. She was Barbara Roufs, the racing trophy girl.