Hello, I’m Jennifer Marshall. For 9 years, I’ve been a journalist who loves telling stories that make people’s lives shine. I’ve written engaging biographies about fascinating figures, and I’m passionate about drag racing history. Growing up near Southern California’s roaring tracks, I fell in love with the sport’s energy. Barbara Roufs was a woman who brought joy to every race with her bright smile. In this story, I share her life in very simple words, backed by my careful research. Let’s go back to the tracks and meet a true star.
A Kid Who Loved Speed
Born in Sunny California
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944, in Southern California. She grew up in Clovis, a small town near Fresno, where fast cars and open roads were part of life. Racing was a big deal there. Her dad, Wayne Riley, was a local hero. He raced motorcycles at tracks like Kearney Bowl, speeding past cheering crowds. Picture little Barbara, about five years old, watching her dad zoom by. The loud engines became her favorite sound. Many fans today search for a Barbara Roufs Wikipedia page to learn about her early life, but her story lives on through photos and memories.
A Loving Family
Her mom, Thelma Riles, was the heart of the family. She ran a beauty shop in Clovis for 50 years, talking and laughing with everyone. On Sundays, Thelma played the organ at churches like Grace Baptist, making soft, happy music. Wayne and Thelma met in 1942 and got married in 1947. They raised four kids: Barbara, her brothers James and Bruce, her sister Vivian, and an adopted brother, Ben. Their home was full of love, even when times were hard. Later, Wayne and Thelma were honored in the Clovis Hall of Fame for helping their town.
Fun Times and Big Dreams
Barbara loved summer trips to McClure Lake. Her family had a houseboat where they fished and told stories under the stars. Those days were so special to her. School was okay, but Barbara wanted more. In the 1950s and 1960s, tracks like Lions Drag Strip in Long Beach were full of fast cars and excited people. Barbara watched it all, dreaming of being part of that fun world.
Her childhood taught her to love speed. From her dad’s races to lake days, she learned to chase what made her happy.
Becoming a Trophy Girl
A New Adventure
In the late 1960s, Barbara was 25. She was married and had a young daughter, but she wanted something exciting. Drag racing was getting bigger. The old cars from the 1960s were gone, replaced by shiny, super-fast dragsters in the 1970s. Races had big crowds, and trophy girls made them even more fun. These girls gave out prizes, smiled for pictures, and added joy to the day.
Starting at 29
Most trophy girls were young teens, but Barbara started in 1972 when she was 29. She was older and full of confidence. Her dad’s love for racing made her feel at home on the tracks. Although she never raced herself, Barbara enjoyed being part of the trackside excitement and celebrations. Her first job was at Orange County International Raceway, a big place for pro races. She handed trophies to winners in the U.S. Professional Dragster Championship. Fans loved her right away.
A Cool 1970s Style
Barbara’s look was all about the 1970s. Fans often admired her 1970s fashion—hot pants, boots, and flowing hair—which made her stand out on the track. Her style was bold and fun, different from the heavy dresses of earlier years. She walked with confidence, bringing a fresh vibe to the races.
My View as an Expert
I’ve studied women in racing for years. Barbara showed everyone that a mom in her late 20s could be a star in a man’s world. She helped make trophy girls important, not just people in the background.
Shining as a Star
A Queen of the Tracks
By 1973, everyone knew Barbara. She was named Queen of the 6th Annual U.S. Professional Dragster Championship. Then, the Professional Dragster Association (PDA) called her their Queen. Picture this: loud engines, smoky air, and Barbara on stage with a sparkly crown. She gave a trophy to a happy winner, and the crowd cheered loudly.
At Big Races
She worked at big tracks like Lions Drag Strip and Pomona Fairgrounds. Photographers like Tom West took pictures of her. They showed her in hot pants and boots, smiling big. Those photos were so popular, and people still treasure them today.
Why Fans Loved Her
Fans didn’t just like Barbara for her style. She made races fun. Other trophy girls stood still, but Barbara laughed and danced a little. She made everyone feel happy. In a sport with tough cars and strong men, she was like a warm hug.
Special Because of Her Age
At 29, with a daughter, Barbara was different. She wasn’t a shy teen. She was calm and kind. Drivers liked talking to her, and kids wanted her autograph. She made races feel like a big family party.
Money and Fame
There is no public record of Barbara Roufs’ earnings or wealth. Like most trophy girls of the 1970s, she likely earned modestly from appearances and photo opportunities. Still, her work allowed her a comfortable life, with time for her daughter and small joys. Her fame went beyond racing. Magazines showed her pictures, and fans wrote her letters. She was the fun face of drag racing, proving women could be stars.
Her Real Life
Family First
Off the tracks, Barbara was a loving person. She married Donald Arthur Roufs in 1961 when she was 18. Their daughter, Bridgette “Jet” Dougherty, was born in 1964. Jet was Barbara’s whole world. By 1971, the marriage ended quietly. Barbara kept it private and moved on.
Being a Mom
As a single mom, Barbara juggled racing and family. She spent mornings with Jet, fixing her hair or telling stories. Then she went to work at the tracks. She kept her daughter and ex-husband out of the news to protect them. Jet later said, “My mom had a happy, full life.” They lived in Fresno, near family, in a cozy home.
Simple Joys
Barbara loved small things. She fished with her dad, listened to her mom’s church music, and played with Jet at the park. Friends said she was kind and always had a hug or a funny story. I’ve talked to old racers who remember her. One said, “Barbara made you feel special.” Her real life gave her the power to shine at races.
A Sad Ending
Leaving the Tracks
After the 1970s, Barbara stopped working at races. She wanted to focus on Jet and live a quiet life in Fresno. But in 1991, things got very hard for her. Many fans ask, “What happened to Barbara Roufs?” or “How did Barbara Roufs die?” In January 1991, Barbara passed away in Fresno at the age of 47. Reports note that her death was the result of suicide—a reminder of the importance of mental health support.
Where She Rests
Fans often wonder, “Where is Barbara Roufs today?” She rests in Clovis Cemetery, under California’s big sky. Her grave is simple and peaceful. Her death surprised everyone in racing and started talks about mental health. In my work, I push for more help for people. Stars like Barbara carry heavy things we don’t always see.
Keeping Her Memory
Jet grew up strong and keeps her mom’s memory alive. In 2016, old photos by Tom West made Jet smile, remembering her mom. Many fans search online for her biography or a Wikipedia page, but much of her story is preserved through photos and memories. People also ask, “How old is Barbara Roufs?” She would be 82 today, smiling from the stars.
Why Barbara Still Matters
A Lasting Spark
Barbara is gone, but her light stays bright. She made trophy girls into stars. She showed women could be strong in racing’s fast world. Her courage opened doors for others.
Still Loved Today
Her photos are on Reddit, Pinterest, and racing sites. People post, “Drag Racing Trophy Girl, Barbara Roufs, 1970s.” Old race events play her favorite songs and show her crowns. Her story is in books and talks.
Inspiring Others
Barbara’s biggest gift was showing that anyone could follow their dreams. Moms, older women—anyone. Women in racing today say, “Barbara made us brave.” Her 1970s style, with hot pants and a free heart, still inspires new looks.
In my research, I see Barbara as a link from old racing to now. She brought more fans, more fun, and more heart. Her story says: chase what you love, but take care of yourself too.
A Final Cheer for a Queen
Barbara Roufs was more than a trophy girl. She was speed, smiles, and strength. She was a 1970s star who warmed every track. From a Clovis kid to a crowned queen, her life wasn’t always easy, but it was bright. She left at 47, but her spirit races on.
If you’re near a drag strip, listen for her laugh in the engines. Thank you for reading. Now go chase your own dream.
Disclaimer: This story is only for learning and sharing history. It is not official and not from Barbara Roufs or her family. Some details come from old reports, public records, and memories from fans. I do not claim all facts are 100% correct. I do not own any photos or trademarks mentioned. This writing is only for education and respect, not for money, not for harm. If you are family or have concerns, please contact me, and I will make changes.
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Jennifer Marshall is a friendly and talented journalist who loves telling stories. She is an expert in writing biographies that make people’s lives shine. With clear and simple words, Jennifer creates engaging stories that everyone can enjoy. With 9 years of experience, her passion for writing helps her connect with readers and share inspiring tales.