Barbara Roufs was one of the most famous drag racing trophy girls in the 1970s. Her daughter, Jet Dougherty, carried forward her mother’s legacy while maintaining a private life away from the spotlight. This article explores everything you need to know about Barbara Roufs’ daughter, including her life, family, and the impact of her mother’s tragic story.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jet Dougherty |
| Famous As | Daughter of Barbara Roufs |
| Mother | Barbara Roufs |
| Year of Birth | Around 1973 |
| Age | Approximately 52 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Famous For | Being Barbara Roufs’ daughter |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Information not publicly available |
Who Was Barbara Roufs?
Barbara Roufs was born in 1944 in Southern California, United States. She became a legendary figure in the drag racing world during the 1970s. Barbara worked as a trophy girl and was crowned the Queen of the Professional Dragster Association in 1973. She stood out from other trophy girls because she was 29 years old, which was older than most, and had striking beauty with long straightened hair and iconic 60s go-go boots.
Barbara brought excitement and glamour to the racing scene. She was not just a pretty face but a symbol of the era’s vibrant culture. Her presence at races added energy and entertainment for fans and racers alike.
Early Life and Background
Barbara Roufs was born to Wayne Eldon Riley and Thelma Ruby Riles. She grew up in Southern California with three biological siblings: Vivian Deaton, James Riles, and Bruce Riley, plus one adopted brother named Ben Gube. Her father loved motorcycles and raced at the Kearney Bowl, while her mother owned a beauty salon in Clovis for 50 years.
Barbara entered the drag racing scene in the late 1960s when the sport was evolving. She quickly became a fan favorite because of her stunning looks and charming personality. By 1973, she had earned the title of PDA queen, cementing her place in racing history.
Barbara Roufs’ Daughter: Jet Dougherty
Jet Dougherty is the only child of Barbara Roufs. She was born when Barbara was 29 years old, around 1973. Despite being the daughter of a famous trophy girl, Jet maintained a private life for many years. She only came into the public eye in 2016 when legendary photographer Tom West posted old photos of Barbara from her early days as a trophy girl.
Jet spoke fondly about her mother on social media. She described Barbara as a woman who lived a happy and exciting life. Even though her mother’s time was tragically cut short, Jet remembered the best moments they shared together. She expressed surprise and happiness when she saw her mother’s photos online, believing Barbara would have been proud to see how much people still loved and remembered her.
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Family Life and Personal Details
Barbara Roufs was married, though the identity of her husband remains unknown to this day. She gave birth to Jet when she was 29 years old. Barbara kept her personal life private, focusing public attention on her achievements in drag racing rather than her family relationships.
Jet Dougherty grew up with her mother in Fresno, California. After Barbara’s death in January 1991, Jet carried on with her life while cherishing the memories of her mother. She has remained private about her own personal life, including details about her husband, children, or career.
Jet has a daughter named Crystal Dougherty, who is Barbara’s granddaughter. Crystal expressed joy when she saw her grandmother’s photos online in 2016. She noted that she could see the physical resemblance and felt proud of her family connection.
The Tragic Death of Barbara Roufs
Barbara Roufs’ life came to a tragic end in January 1991. She died by suicide at the age of 47. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, and the reasons behind this devastating decision were never made public. Her family, particularly Jet, chose to handle their grief privately, away from the media spotlight.
This tragedy shocked the racing community, which remembered Barbara as a dynamic and influential figure. Her death highlighted the personal struggles that can exist behind public personas. Despite her glamorous career and exciting life, Barbara faced challenges that ultimately led to her untimely death.
Jet Dougherty’s Life Today
Jet Dougherty has chosen to live a private life away from public attention. Unlike her mother, who was in the spotlight during her career, Jet prefers to keep details about her personal and professional life confidential. She does not have a public social media presence and rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances.
What is known about Jet is that she deeply loved and respected her mother. When Tom West’s photos brought Barbara back into public consciousness in 2016, Jet was grateful. She shared that many people knew and loved her mother, and seeing the photos reminded her of Barbara’s happiest days.
Jet’s daughter, Crystal Dougherty, also appreciates her grandmother’s legacy. The family maintains a connection to Barbara’s memory while respecting their privacy.
Barbara Roufs’ Legacy in Drag Racing
Barbara Roufs is still remembered as one of the most iconic trophy girls in drag racing history. Her beauty, charisma, and vibrant personality made her stand out during the golden age of drag racing in the 1970s. She represented the glamour and excitement of that era, and her photos continue to circulate among racing enthusiasts.
Trophy girls played an important role in drag racing during the 1970s. They presented awards to winners, interacted with pit crews, and added entertainment value to races. Barbara distinguished herself by being older than most trophy girls and by having a commanding presence that captivated audiences.
Today, fans and racing historians look back at Barbara’s contributions with admiration. Her story serves as a reminder of the vibrant culture surrounding drag racing during its peak years.
Barbara Roufs’ Net Worth
During the 1970s, the exact salaries of trophy girls were not publicly disclosed. However, Barbara Roufs likely earned a modest income from her modeling and trophy girl work. Her net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $1.5 million, though this figure is not confirmed.
Some of Barbara’s iconic photos from the 1970s are now sold online through various memorabilia shops. These images continue to generate interest among collectors and drag racing fans.
Physical Appearance
Barbara Roufs was known for her striking physical features. She stood 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed approximately 55 kilograms (118 pounds). She had brown hair and brown eyes, which complemented her charismatic presence at racetracks.
Her signature look included long straightened hair and 60s go-go boots, which became iconic symbols of her time as a trophy girl. She often wore freedom tanks and short dresses that reflected the fashion trends of the 1970s.
Information about Jet Dougherty’s physical appearance is not publicly available, as she maintains a private lifestyle.
The 2016 Photo Release
In 2016, photographer Tom West uploaded old photos of Barbara Roufs to the internet. These images showed Barbara in her early days as a trophy girl and quickly went viral among drag racing fans. The photos captured Barbara’s beauty and the vibrant atmosphere of 1970s drag racing.
Jet Dougherty responded to the photos with a heartfelt message on Facebook. She expressed surprise at seeing her mother’s images online but was happy that people still remembered and loved Barbara. Jet shared that her mother would have been proud to see how much her photos were appreciated, as they depicted some of the best moments of her life.
Crystal Dougherty, Barbara’s granddaughter, also commented on the photos. She noted the physical resemblance she shared with her grandmother and felt proud to be connected to such an iconic figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jet Dougherty?
Jet Dougherty is the daughter of Barbara Roufs, the famous 1970s drag racing trophy girl. She was born around 1973 when Barbara was 29 years old.
What happened to Barbara Roufs?
Barbara Roufs died by suicide in January 1991 at the age of 47. The specific reasons for her death remain unknown.
When did Jet Dougherty become publicly known?
Jet came to public attention in 2016 when photographer Tom West posted old photos of her mother online.
Does Jet Dougherty have children?
Yes, Jet has a daughter named Crystal Dougherty, who is Barbara Roufs’ granddaughter.
What is Jet Dougherty’s net worth?
Jet Dougherty’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. She maintains a private lifestyle and does not share financial information.
Who was Barbara Roufs’ husband?
The identity of Barbara Roufs’ husband remains unknown. She kept her personal life private during her career.
Where did Barbara Roufs live?
Barbara lived in Fresno, California, with her family before her death in 1991.
What was Barbara Roufs famous for?
Barbara was famous for being a drag racing trophy girl in the 1970s. She was crowned the Queen of the Professional Dragster Association in 1973.
Conclusion
Barbara Roufs’ daughter, Jet Dougherty, carries the legacy of one of drag racing’s most iconic figures. While Barbara’s life ended tragically in 1991, her memory lives on through her family and the racing community. Jet has chosen to maintain privacy while honoring her mother’s contributions to drag racing history.
The story of Barbara Roufs serves as both a celebration of the glamorous era of 1970s drag racing and a reminder of the personal struggles that can exist behind public success. Through Jet and Crystal Dougherty, Barbara’s legacy continues to inspire fans and racing enthusiasts around the world.
Last updated: October 2025