In the realm of drag racing, one name stands out: Jungle Pam Hardy. Pam, born in 1954 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, swiftly rose to prominence in the 1970s as the backup girl for famed drag racer “Jungle” Jim Liberman. But she wasn’t just a backup girl; she was an important part of the act.

Pam’s life changed dramatically at the age of 18 when she met Jungle Jim. He encouraged her to join him on the drag racing circuit, and she immediately accepted. From that point forward, she was known as “Jungle Pam,” a term that would forever be linked to her relationship with Jungle Jim.

As the backup girl, Pam had an important role to play. She guided the race car back after a burnout, ensuring it was lined up correctly. But she brought so much more than technical support – she brought excitement and style.

Pam wowed the crowd with her tight shirts and short shorts, which were the essence of 1970s fashion. Her presence gave an extra element of excitement and intrigue to the races, particularly among young fans.

One famous photograph captures the essence of Jungle Pam and her influence on the drag racing world. Pam is seen striding boldly on the racing track in this photograph, which was taken at a drag strip in the early 1970s. She’s dressed in her typical striped tank top, short denim shorts, and flat shoes. The sign in the background indicates “Ragway Park” and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), reinforcing the connection to drag racing.