Barbara Roufs was an American model and trophy girl who became famous for her stunning looks and charisma in the drag racing scene of 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. However, behind her glamorous image, she also faced personal struggles and tragedies that eventually led to her suicide in 1991. This article will explore her life, career, family, and legacy, as well as the mystery surrounding her death.
Early Life and Family
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in Southern California, United States. She was the daughter of Thelma Ruby Riley and Wayne Eldon Riley, who were both avid motorcycle riders and racers. She had three biological siblings: Vivian Deaton, James Riley, and Bruce Riley, and one adopted brother: Ben Gube. She grew up in a loving and adventurous family, and inherited her parents’ passion for speed and thrill.
Barbara married twice in her life. Her first husband was John Dougherty, whom she married in 1962 and divorced in 1969. They had one daughter together, named Jet Dougherty, who was born in 1964. Jet followed her mother’s footsteps and became a model and actress, appearing in several movies and TV shows in the 1980s and 1990s. Barbara’s second husband was Tom Roufs, whom she married in 1970 and remained with until her death. Tom was a drag racer and a car builder, and they shared a common interest in the sport.
Drag Racing Career and Fame
Barbara Roufs entered the drag racing scene in the early 1970s, when the sport was undergoing a transformation from its golden age of the 1960s. The older models of cars were replaced by newer versions, and fuelers, which had the driver seat behind the engine, were introduced. The fashion for women also changed with the times. They wore long hair, short dresses and shorts, and did not bother with bras. Barbara fit perfectly into this new era, with her stunning beauty, long hair, gogo boots, and freedom tanks. She was the ideal trophy girl to join the race.
A trophy girl was a young, attractive, and wealthy woman who acted according to the social status of her older male partner. They were often seen in the victory lane, in front of pace cars, and interacting with pit crews. They were also used for marketing and promotional purposes, as they attracted attention and admiration from the fans and the media. Barbara was one of the most popular and successful trophy girls in the history of drag racing. She worked for the Professional Dragster Association (PDA) by Doug Kruse, and was sponsored by several companies, such as Edelbrock, Hooker Headers, and Mr. Gasket. She was also a close friend and muse of Tom West, a renowned photographer who captured many iconic images of her.
Barbara was more than just a pretty face, though. She was also a smart and savvy businesswoman, who managed her own finances and contracts. She was also a fan of the sport, who enjoyed watching the races and cheering for her favorite drivers. She was well-liked and respected by the racers, the crews, and the fans, who appreciated her enthusiasm and personality. She brought life and excitement to the races, and earned a name for herself as the Racing Trophy Girl.
Death and Legacy
Barbara Roufs died in January 1991, at the age of 47. The exact date and cause of her death are not publicly known, but it is widely believed that she committed suicide by shooting herself in the head. The reason for her suicide is also unclear, but some speculate that she was suffering from depression, loneliness, or financial problems. She was buried at the Clovis Cemetery in Clovis, California, next to her mother, who had died in 1989.
Barbara’s death shocked and saddened the drag racing community, who mourned the loss of one of their brightest stars. Her fans and admirers also expressed their grief and condolences, and remembered her as a beautiful and charismatic woman who made a lasting impression on the sport. Her legacy lives on through her photographs, which are still widely circulated and admired on the internet and social media. She is also remembered through her daughter and granddaughter, who inherited her looks and talent. Barbara Roufs was a drag racing icon, who left behind a trail of glamour, fame, and mystery.