Barbara Roufs was an American model who was renowned for her beautiful appearance in drag racing. She was even more notable for her straightened hair and fashionable boots.
During the 1970s, auto racing embraced the inclusion of trophy girls in competitions. These women adorned victory lanes, accompanied pace cars, and interacted with pit crews.
In a departure from previous years, the dress code for trophy girls underwent a transformation, featuring short shorts that replaced the once prevalent heavy garments and large feather hats.
A notable figure from this era was Barbara Roufs, an American model celebrated for her striking appearance, characterized by straightened hair and fashionable 60s go-go boots.
Barbara, at 29 years old, stood out as one of the older trophy girls in drag racing, and her exceptional physique made her a sought-after choice for companies marketing clothing products.
Tragically, Barbara Roufs passed away in 1991, but her legacy endures among drag racing enthusiasts, who remember her as a distinctive presence in the sport’s history.
Barbara Roufs Cause Of Death
Barbara Roufs’s cause of death was confirmed to have been suicide by her son, Jet Dougherty.
In 2016, photographer Tom West shared early photographs featuring Barbara during her tenure as a trophy girl. In response to the post, Jet Dougherty, Barbara’s daughter, paid tribute to her cherished mother.
Jet conveyed that Barbara was widely acknowledged and held in high esteem. While Jet found the online publication of the photos surprising, she believed her mother would be proud as they captured some of her happiest moments in life.
Jet also confirmed the tragic passing of her mother, Barbara, in January 1991, citing suicide as the cause. The specific reasons behind Barbara’s decision were not apparent. At the time of her death, Barbara was 47 years old.
Before this heart-wrenching incident, Barbara had been residing with her family in Fresno, California, United States.
Barbara Roufs Career
Barbara Roufs’ career was popularly renowned for having been a trophy girl in the late 60s. Barbara emerged as a celebrated trophy girl in the late 1960s and early 1970s drag racing scene.
She claimed the title of queen in the 6th annual U.S. Professional Dragster Championship at Orange County International Raceway and was also crowned the 1973 PDA (Professional Dragster Association) queen.
Despite her older age, Barbara garnered affection from both racers and fans. Her captivating beauty positioned her as a prime choice for manufacturers and businesses seeking to promote their products within the drag racing community.
Barbara became a familiar presence in branded t-shirts and advertisements, symbolizing the essence of drag races.
Her influence was particularly noteworthy during the transformation of drag racing in the 1970s, marking a shift from the golden era of the 60s. As racers upgraded their cars with more powerful engines, Barbara played a key role in presenting trophies to the victors.
However, it was her enchanting presence that truly established her as a renowned figure in the PDA.
Barbara Roufs Husband & Children
Barbara Roufs had a child named Jet Dougherty when she turned 29 years old. However, her husband’s information was kept under wraps.
