Barbara Roufs was an American trophy girl and model who became famous for her stunning looks and charisma in the drag racing scene of Southern California in the 1970s. She was one of the most photographed and admired women in the sport, and her signature style of long straight hair, gogo boots, and freedom tanks made her stand out from the crowd. She was also a mother of two and a successful model who worked for various clothing brands. However, her life was cut short by a tragic suicide in 1991. This article will explore her biography, career, and legacy as a racing trophy girl.
Early life and family
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in Southern California, United States. She was the daughter of Thelma Ruby Riles and Wayne Eldon Riley, who were both involved in the motorcycle and car racing scene. She had three biological siblings: Vivian Deaton, James Riles, and Bruce Riley, and one adopted brother: Ben Gube. Her parents were the first couple to be inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame for their contributions to the community.
Barbara grew up in a loving and adventurous family that enjoyed fishing, camping, and boating. She also developed a passion for racing and modeling from a young age. She attended Clovis High School, where she was a cheerleader and a homecoming queen. She married her high school sweetheart, Jet Dougherty, and had two children with him: Jet Jr. and Jana.
Career as a trophy girl and model
Barbara Roufs joined the drag racing circuit as a trophy girl in the early 1970s, when the sport was undergoing a transformation. The older models of cars were replaced by newer versions, and fuelers were introduced as a new category of dragsters. The fashion for women also changed with the times. They wore long hair, short dresses and shorts, and no bras.
Barbara Roufs fit perfectly into this new era of drag racing with her stunning beauty, long hair, gogo boots, and freedom tanks. She was the ideal trophy girl for the Professional Dragster Association (PDA) by Doug Kruse, who organized many races in Southern California. She was also hired by other promoters and sponsors to appear at various events.
Barbara Roufs became one of the most popular and photographed women in drag racing. She was featured on many magazines, posters, calendars, and trading cards. She also worked as a model for several clothing brands, such as Levi’s, Wrangler, and Jantzen. She earned a lot of money and fame from her modeling and trophy girl gigs.
Death and legacy
Barbara Roufs died by suicide in January 1991 at the age of 47. The exact reason for her death is unknown, but some speculate that she suffered from depression, loneliness, or financial problems. She left behind her two children, who were raised by their father.
Barbara Roufs is remembered as an iconic racing trophy girl who brought joy and excitement to the drag racing scene of the 1970s. She is still admired by many fans and enthusiasts who collect her memorabilia and share her photos online. She is also regarded as a pioneer and an inspiration for many women who followed her footsteps in the sport.
According to Tuko.co.ke¹, Barbara Roufs was considered the “holy grail” of trophy girls by many drag racers. According to Profvalue.com², she was a phenomenal woman who had a great impact on the race culture. According to Heightline.com³, she was a famous American trophy girl and model who was recognized for her fantastic appearance. According to Cosmosmagazines.com⁴, she was a beloved trophy girl of the drag racing scene in Southern California during the 1970s.
Barbara Roufs was more than just a pretty face. She was a woman who lived her life to the fullest and pursued her passions with courage and grace. She was a mother, a model, and a racing legend who left behind a lasting legacy.