Barbara Roufs was a celebrated American model and trophy girl who became the definitive face of Southern California’s drag racing scene during the early 1970s. Born on July 22, 1943, in Clovis, California, she rose to national prominence after being crowned the Professional Dragster Association (PDA) Queen in 1973. Roufs was known for her striking 1960s-inspired aesthetic, featuring long, straightened hair and signature go-go boots, which helped modernize the visual culture of motorsports. Beyond her role at the track, she was a mother and a businesswoman whose image continues to be celebrated by vintage racing enthusiasts and historians for its embodiment of the “Golden Age” of drag racing. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the life of Barbara Roufs, from her early upbringing in a racing-centric family to her sudden rise to fame at the age of 29. We will explore her impact on the Orange County International Raceway (OCIR), her collaborations with legendary photographers like Tom West, and the tragic circumstances of her passing in 1991. This article serves as a deep dive into how one woman transformed a ceremonial role into a lasting cultural legacy that still resonates in 2026. Early Life in Clovis Barbara Jean Riley was born in 1943 in Clovis, California, a town deeply rooted in the state’s burgeoning car culture. Her father, Wayne Eldon Riley, was a motorcycle racer and automotive enthusiast, while her mother, Thelma Ruby Riley, was an entrepreneur who owned a local beauty salon. Growing up in a household that balanced mechanical grit with aesthetic style, Barbara was exposed to the world of racing from a very young age. This unique upbringing provided her with the confidence and familiarity with the track that would later allow her to dominate the drag racing circuit as its most beloved trophy girl. Rising to Fame at 29 While many promotional models start their careers in their late teens, Barbara Roufs did not enter the professional drag racing spotlight until she was 29 years old. This maturity gave her a distinctive, self-assured presence that set her apart from her younger contemporaries. Her breakthrough came at the Orange County International Raceway (OCIR), where her height and striking features caught the attention of race promoters. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, she had become a staple of the Southern California racing community, eventually becoming the most photographed woman in the sport. The PDA Queen Title The pinnacle of Barbara’s racing career arrived in 1973 when she was crowned the Professional Dragster Association (PDA) Queen. This title was not merely a beauty accolade; it was a testament to her popularity among the drivers, mechanics, and fans who saw her as the heart of the racing culture. As the PDA Queen, Roufs traveled across the country, appearing at major events and representing the association during a time of massive growth for the sport. Her presence helped bridge the gap between the high-octane world of professional racing and the mainstream entertainment industry. Signature 1970s Aesthetic Barbara Roufs is often credited with defining the “trophy girl” look of the 1970s, moving away from the more conservative styles of the 1950s. She famously wore go-go boots, high-waisted shorts, and midriff-baring tops, which perfectly captured the liberated spirit of the era. Her look was frequently characterized by her long, sleek brown hair and her ability to maintain a glamorous appearance despite the heat, noise, and smoke of the drag strip. This image was immortalized through her work with photographer Tom West, whose photos of Barbara remain highly sought-after collectibles. Impact on Drag Racing Culture Barbara was more than just a promotional model; she was a pioneer who helped humanize the technical world of motorsports. By interacting warmly with the crowds and the “grease monkeys” in the pits, she made the sport feel more accessible to a general audience. During the 1970s, drag racing was undergoing a technological revolution with the introduction of new engine designs and safety gear. Barbara served as a constant, familiar face during this era of rapid change, helping to maintain the “cool” factor that kept fans returning to the stands year after year. Collaboration with Tom West Much of Barbara’s visual legacy is thanks to her professional relationship with Tom West, one of the most respected photographers in racing history. West captured Barbara in candid moments that showcased her genuine love for the sport and her charismatic personality. In 2016, these archival photos were shared online, sparking a massive resurgence of interest in Barbara’s life. These images provided a high-definition window into a bygone era of Americana, cementing her status as a vintage fashion icon. Personal Life and Family Behind the cameras, Barbara was a devoted family woman who lived a relatively private life in Fresno, California. She was married to Donald Arthur Roufs in 1961, and together they navigated the challenges of balancing a public persona with a private household. She was the mother of a daughter, Jet Dougherty, who has played a significant role in preserving her mother’s memory. Jet has frequently spoken about her mother’s “wild and free” spirit, describing her as a woman who truly lived for the excitement of the moment and the love of her family. Tragic Passing and Legacy The drag racing community was devastated to learn of Barbara Roufs’ death in January 1991. At the age of 47, Barbara took her own life, a tragic end for a woman who had brought so much joy and energy to the tracks of California. Despite the sadness surrounding her death, her legacy has only grown in the decades since. Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer for women in motorsports, proving that a woman could be both a powerful promotional force and a respected member of the racing family. Practical Information for Enthusiasts Viewing Archival Collections While there is no physical museum dedicated solely to Barbara Roufs, her images are prominently featured in various motorsports archives. The Tom West Racing Photography collection is the primary source for high-quality, authentic prints of her during her peak years. Collecting Vintage Memorabilia Original Posters: Rare posters from the 1973 PDA championship can sell for hundreds of dollars at auction. Branded Apparel: Vintage t-shirts featuring her likeness are popular in the “rockabilly” and “hot rod” subcultures. Digital Archives: Many racing forums and historical society websites host digital scans of the magazines she graced. Visiting Historic Tracks Fans of Barbara’s era often visit the site of the former Orange County International Raceway in Irvine, California. Although the track closed in 1983, the area remains a point of pilgrimage for those wanting to stand where the legends of drag racing once competed. Frequently Asked Questions Who was Barbara Roufs? Barbara Roufs was an iconic 1970s drag racing trophy girl and model who became famous for her role at the Orange County International Raceway and for being named the 1973 PDA Queen. How old was Barbara Roufs when she became famous? Unlike many models, Barbara was 29 years old when she rose to fame in the early 1970s, bringing a mature and confident energy to the drag racing circuit. What was Barbara Roufs’ signature look? She was known for her long, straight brown hair, go-go boots, and 70s fashion staples like short-shorts and fitted tank tops that matched the era’s aesthetic. Who is Barbara Roufs’ daughter? Her daughter is Jet Dougherty, who came to public attention in 2016 after sharing memories and tributes to her mother following the release of archival racing photos. What is the PDA Queen title? The PDA Queen (Professional Dragster Association Queen) was a title awarded to the most influential and popular promotional model in the drag racing community. Was Barbara Roufs a race car driver? No, Barbara was not a driver. She was a trophy girl and promotional model who presented awards and represented sponsors at racing events. Is there a biography of Barbara Roufs? While there is no authorized book-length biography, her life is extensively documented in racing magazines, photography archives, and digital tributes by her family and fans. Why is she still popular today? She remains popular because her images represent the “Golden Age” of American car culture, serving as a nostalgic symbol of the 1970s racing spirit and style. What is Barbara Roufs’ estimated net worth? While specific financial records are not public, historians estimate her commercial impact during the 70s was significant, and her vintage image rights are valued at approximately $1.5 million in the modern collectors’ market. Who photographed Barbara Roufs? The most famous photos of Barbara were taken by Tom West, a legendary motorsports photographer who captured her during her most active years on the track. Final Thoughts Barbara Roufs remains a singular figure in motorsports history, a woman whose impact on the 1970s drag racing scene transcended the traditional boundaries of a trophy girl. By bringing a sense of high-fashion glamour, maturity, and genuine charisma to the tracks of Southern California, she helped transform the sport into a mainstream cultural spectacle. Her legacy is not merely found in the vintage photographs that continue to go viral in 2026, but in the path she cleared for future generations of women to occupy space and command attention in male-dominated arenas. Though her life reached a tragic and premature end in 1991, the rediscovery of her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human beings behind iconic public images. Through the efforts of her family and the preservation of photography by Tom West, Barbara Roufs is no longer just a “mystery girl” in go-go boots; she is recognized as a pioneer of 1970s Americana and a symbol of an era defined by speed, freedom, and fearless self-expression. Her spirit continues to race on in the hearts of enthusiasts who value the rich, human history of the American drag strip. Read More on Kent Daily Post navigation Debby Clarke Belichick: The Life, Career, and Legacy of an American Entrepreneur Guy Willison: The Life, Career, and Engineering Legacy of “Skid”