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Barbara Roufs was a well-known drag racing trophy girl in the 1970s. She became an iconic figure in the world of drag racing due to her vibrant presence and the glamorous image she brought to the sport. Roufs was celebrated for her beauty and style, often seen handing out trophies to winning racers and becoming a popular figure in motorsport culture during that era. Unfortunately, she passed away in January 1991. Her legacy continues to be remembered by racing enthusiasts and those who admire the history of drag racing.
Quick Facts About Barbara Roufs
| Nickname | Racing Trophy Girl |
| Full Name | Barbara Roufs |
| Date of Birth | 1944 |
| Died | January 1991 |
| Age | 47 (as of 1991) |
| Place of Birth | California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Parents | Thelma Ruby Riley & Wayne Eldon Riley |
| Siblings | Vivian Deaton, James, Bruce, Ben Gube |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | Jet Dougherty |
| Profession | Trophy Girl, Model |
How old was Barbara Roufs?
Barbara Roufs was born on April 17, 1944, and died on January 14, 1991. She was 46 years old at the time of her death.
What Was the Life of Barbara Roufs Before Death?
When the drag racing industry had developed from the heyday of the 1960s, Barbara Roufs entered as a trophy girl at the beginning of the 1970s. The more recent model had replaced the older model of vehicles. While the old dragsters change to fuelers with the driver’s seat positioned behind the engine. Over time, auto texts have gotten better. Thus, the giveaways for the race participants also evolved. It includes, the women’s hair lengthened, their shorts shrunk, and their bras burnt.
However, Barbara was the ideal trophy girl because of her long straightened hair, airy freedom tanks, and vintage 1960s go-go boots. Only women with Barbara Roufs’ height, physique, and beauty would be suitable for that role during the Professional Dragster Association era on the streets of California. Hence, she made a reputation for herself by bringing excitement and vitality to the races.
How Was the Professional Life of Roufs?
In the latter part of the 1960s and early 1970s, Roufs performed being a drag racing trophy girl. At the Orange County International Raceway’s sixth annual the United States Professional Dragster Championship, she reigned supreme. Further, Barbara was also the PDA (Professional Dragster Association) champion in 1973.
Despite being elderly, Barbara was a favorite of the racers and spectators. Her attractiveness made her precious among producers and other companies looking to market their goods to drag racing fans. Thus Barbara got so much fame that her face could easily be seen in advertisements and on t-shirts too. Many for giving the drag races life credited her.
She played a crucial role as drag racing competition changed in the 1970s from its heyday in the 1960s. Additionally, racers were switching out their outdated models for newer ones with more powerful engines. Barbara Roufs presented the winners with trophies. But what made her a household name in the PDA was her amazing beauty.
Does Barbara Have a Family?
Barbara was married and had one child. Jet Dougherty is the name of the child she had at the age of 29. Furthermore, the identity of Roufs’ husband is still a mystery.
Everyone was stunned in 2016 when famous photographer Tom West published old photos of Barbara Roufs’ daughter.
Jet Dougherty shared a couple of her mother’s recollections on Facebook. Although she claimed that, her life had been tragically short. It had been full and exciting. Nevertheless, Jet anticipated finding true happiness once she saw her mother online.
Furthermore, Roufs granddaughter Crystal Dougherty, who was also overjoyed to see the photos, wrote the following. She observed that she recognizes her physical attraction and is confident.
How Did Barbara Roufs Life End?
Barbara’s daughter Jet mentioned the 1991 demise of her mother. Yet, Suicide was the reason for Roufs death. However, the motivation behind the suicide’s execution remained unknown.
She was 47 when she died. Before she passed away, Barbara lived in Fresno, California, with her family.
What Was the Net Worth of Barbara Before Death?
Barbara spent the 1970s modeling and working as a drag race trophy girl. At the time, it was not clear how much money the trophy girls received. However, she did earn money through salaries. Online retailers provide some of Barbara’s renowned 1970s images. Her estimated net worth was $1.5 million.
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Final Thoughts
Southern California-born drag racing champion Barbara Roufs was also a model. Nonetheless, she became popular in the 1970s while drag racing made new automobiles popular. Roufs also distinguished herself from the other trophy girls due to her age, which was 29. In addition, her distinctive appearance comprised broad straightened hair and 1960s go-go boots. Unfortunately, Roufs committed suicide in January 1991.
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