Barbara Roufs, a distinguished drag racing champion hailing from the United States, met a tragic end in January 1991. Her legacy extends beyond the racetrack, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the competitive world.
Born in 1944 in Southern California, Barbara embodied the spirit of American drag racing. Her roots in that region contributed to the rich tapestry of her life.
Acknowledged for her skill on the track as well as her alluring looks, Barbara gave the drag racing world an unmatched energy and happiness. As a young woman, she made a lasting impression on everyone who saw her accomplishments.
Barbara Roufs, who was 47 when she passed away in 1991, left behind a legacy that goes beyond her life on Earth. This brief biography seeks to illuminate her marriage, work, and riches in order to give readers a better understanding of the extraordinary life she led. To learn more about the main points of Barbara’s life and the circumstances leading up to her tragic death, go through the following parts.
Table of Contents
Barbara Roufs Wiki
Full Name | Barbara Roufs |
Nick Name | Barbara |
Age | 47 years At Death Time |
Birthplace | United States |
Date of Birth | 1944 |
Date of Death | 1991 |
Hometown | United States |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Caucasian |
Known for | Her outstanding physical attributes and character |
Who is Barbara Roufs?
Barbara Roufs, the iconic driver of the 1970s, endeared herself to fans and held a special place in their hearts. At the age of 29, she was not only a skilled racer but also a devoted mother of two.
Renowned as the epitome of beauty among trophy girls in Southern California’s drag racing scene, Barbara’s charm was celebrated widely. A plethora of race-related photographs featuring her captivating moments can be found on platforms like YouTube.
Born in 1944, Barbara’s roots trace back to California, where she not only agreed to be a trophy girl but likely spent her formative years. Her untimely departure at the age of 47 marked the end of an era in the world of drag racing.
Barbara Roufs’s early life unfolded in the vibrant landscape of Southern California, born in 1944. Her amiable personality mirrored her diverse ancestral background, with Wayne Eldon Riley as her father and Thelma Ruby Riles as her mother. The trio of biological siblings, James Riles, Bruce Riley, and Vivian Deaton, enriched her family dynamics.
Adding a unique twist to her familial narrative, Barbara also had an adopted brother, Ben Gube. With such a broad spectrum of family ties, Barbara was destined for greatness.
Thelma Ruby Riles, Barbara’s mother, discovered her soul mate in Wayne Eldon Riley in 1942, leading to a marriage that lasted five decades. Beyond the realm of romance, Thelma invested fifty years operating a beauty salon in Clovis and showcased her artistic talent by adorning church organs with precision and grace. This multifaceted background laid the foundation for Barbara’s remarkable journey.
Barbara Roufs Early Life
Even in the wake of Barbara’s passing, her legacy lives on through her cherished daughter. Barbara’s father was not just a regular parent but a competitive motorcycle rider who found joy in fishing and owned a houseboat. Remarkably, her parents achieved the milestone of being the first couple ever inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame.
Barbara, having completed her education, was raised in the vibrant atmosphere of California, where her affinity for drag racing blossomed. Transitioning from being a driver to a trophy girl marked a significant shift in her career trajectory.
Her radiant smile and infectious energy became her trademark, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression. The story of Barbara goes beyond her roles in motorsports; it is a tale of family achievements, diverse interests, and a vibrant legacy that continues to resonate.
Career
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Barbara achieved notable success, securing multiple drag racing championships and earning the prestigious title of the sixth-annual queen of the U.S. Professional Dragster Championship.
Her ascent to drag racing diva status occurred in 1973 when she was crowned the queen of the Professional Dragster Association (PDA). This period witnessed a transformative shift in women’s fashion, embracing shorts, long hair, and shorter outfits, though notably, bras seemed to be falling out of favor.
Barbara Roufs, the seasoned drag racing trophy girl, despite being older, remained beloved and a favorite among participants, audience members, and businesses endorsing various products. Her timeless appeal stemmed from more than just her looks; it was her commanding presence that left a lasting impression.
Beyond her aesthetic contributions, Barbara played a crucial role in shaping drag racing contests during the 1970s. Bestowing rewards upon the victors, she became a well-known figure within the Professional Dragster Association (PDA), contributing significantly to the sport’s development and leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Children and Grandchildren
The revelation about Barbara Roufs came to light in 2016 when the renowned photographer Tom West shared old photographs of her. This disclosure prompted Barbara’s daughter, Jet Dougherty (known by that name on her Facebook page), to open up and share memories of her mother, surprising many.
Jet reminisced about her mother’s happy and exciting life, tragically cut short. She expressed that Barbara would have been proud to have her presence acknowledged on the internet, a dream she had cherished. The sentiment was echoed by Barbara’s granddaughter, Crystal Dougherty, who not only expressed joy at seeing her grandmother’s images online but also conveyed a deep sense of pride and appreciation for her beauty. This unveiling of Barbara’s past through online platforms adds another layer to her legacy, showcasing the impact she had on those closest to her.
Cause of death
In 2016, photographer Tom West shared a collection of early photographs featuring Barbara in her role as a trophy girl. Following this upload, Jet, Barbara’s daughter, paid a heartfelt tribute in the comments section, shedding light on her mother’s widespread recognition and endearing popularity.
While initially surprised to find her mother’s photos circulating on the internet, Jet conveyed that Barbara would have taken pride in seeing them online. The images captured some of her most cherished moments and happiest days, reflecting a life well-lived. Jet also disclosed the somber news of her mother’s passing in January 1991, revealing that Barbara’s cause of death was suicide. Despite this revelation, the specific reasons behind her tragic decision remained unclear. Barbara was 47 years old when she passed away, and she lived in Fresno, California, in the United States, with her family. Barbara’s narrative gains poignancy as her past is revealed through these internet photos, highlighting the significance of remembering and respecting her legacy.
Barbara Roufs Net North
In the 1970s, Barbara engaged in the role of a drag race trophy girl and model. The compensation details for trophy girls during that era remain uncertain.
While she did receive a fixed salary, Barbara also earned additional income. Today, various online retailers offer a collection of Barbara Roufs’ renowned works from the 1970s. Based on available information, her estimated net worth stands at $1.5 million.
Professional Achievements
During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Roufs left an indelible mark as a dominant drag racing trophy girl, achieving a pinnacle moment with the United States Professional Dragster Championship at the Orange County International Raceway. Her impact transcended the racetrack, turning her into a sought-after personality for companies aiming to connect with drag racing enthusiasts. Roufs’ image adorned advertisements and merchandise, playing a crucial role in shaping the sport’s unique identity.
Barbara Roufs’s Physical Dimensions: Height, Weight, and Body Measurements
Barbara Roufs undeniably stood out as one of the most captivating women of her era, with a beauty that could easily captivate any admirer. Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of information on this particular aspect, we are unable to furnish precise details regarding her height or weight. The limited availability of data has hindered our ability to provide an accurate assessment in this regard.
Barbara Rouf showcases a toned abdomen in the Adidas Neo Fall campaign, alongside Selena Gomez
Barbara Rouf – Selena Gomez showcases her toned midriff in the Adidas Neo Fall campaign. This article explores diverse topics such as death, interment, cemeteries, and obituaries. American Nitro, regarded as the finest drag racing film ever made, features a significant representation of women.
An intriguing blend of images follows, including a poster featuring Don Knotts and Barbara Rhoades from 1968’s “The Shakiest Pistol in the West.” A variety of 109 available Barbara Rhoades stock pictures are showcased, and there is an invitation to conduct a new search for other relevant images. Further, Elenor Barbara Roufs, born in Minnesota in 1899, and Barbara Janette Roof, born in Missouri in 1939 to Stanley Eugene Rouf, contribute to the diverse narratives.
Among the connections, there is a mention of Barbara Roufs Massey on Facebook. Barbara, known for her involvement in 1970s model drag racing and association with a race engine company named Performance Technology in Wakarusa, Indiana, is highlighted. Tragically, her life took a drastic turn on April 30, 2010, when her spouse of 20 years, entertainment attorney Peter Lopez, took his own life.
In the midst of diverse life events, Barbara’s journey also touches upon her modeling career, which began after being noticed on the streets of Budapest in 2006. This transition happened despite her initial interests in football and music. The article references individuals named Barbara Rouf and their profiles, delving into aspects of their lives.
Concluding with a mention of Tom West’s collection featuring #Barbara Roufs #Retro Drag Racing #Cars, the narrative retains a varied and comprehensive exploration of different facets tied to the name Barbara Rouf.
Final Words
Beyond the racetrack, Barbara Roufs, a legendary figure in the drag racing scene of the 1970s, left an enduring legacy. Her life, which was filled with both successes and setbacks, demonstrated her complex character as a talented racer, loving mother, and well-known trophy girl. Barbara was born in 1944 in Southern California, and her life story took place against the colorful backdrop of the heyday of drag racing.
Beyond her on-track accomplishments, she made a significant impact on the sport by helping to shape drag racing’s culture in the 1970s. Barbara was adored by participants, admirers, and businesses due to her alluring demeanor and classic attractiveness. The revelation of her life’s details through online platforms in recent years added depth to her narrative, shedding light on her impact on those closest to her.
However, Barbara Roufs’ story takes a somber turn with the disclosure of her tragic death by suicide in January 1991 at the age of 47. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the circumstances, her daughter Jet Dougherty’s reflections and the poignant tribute from photographer Tom West’s collection emphasize the importance of remembering and respecting Barbara’s enduring legacy. With an estimated net worth of $1.5 million and a career adorned with championships and accolades, Barbara Roufs remains an indelible figure in the history of drag racing.