In the world of drag racing, there is one name that stands out – Jungle Pam Hardy. Born in 1954 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Pam quickly made a name for herself in the 1970s as a backup girl for the legendary drag racer, “Jungle” Jim Liberman. But she was more than just a backup girl – she was an integral part of the show.
At just 18 years old, Pam’s life took an exciting turn when she met Jungle Jim. He invited her to join him on the drag racing circuit, and without hesitation, she agreed. From that moment on, she became known as “Jungle Pam,” a nickname that would forever be associated with her connection to 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.
Dressed in eye-catching outfits that were the epitome of 1970s fashion, Pam charmed the fans with her tight tops and short shorts. Her presence added an extra element of thrill and allure to the races, especially for the young fans.
One iconic photo captures the essence of Jungle Pam and her impact on the drag racing scene. In the picture, taken at a drag strip in the early 1970s, Pam can be seen striding confidently on the race track. She’s wearing her signature striped tank top, short denim shorts, and flat shoes. In the background, the sign mentions “Ragway Park” and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), further cementing the connection to the world of drag racing.
Jungle Pam and Jungle Jim were not just skilled racers; they were entertainers. Their dynamic presence on the track drew in crowds and left a lasting impression. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1977 when Jungle Jim passed away in a car accident. Following his untimely death, Pam stepped away from the racing world. However, she remains a beloved figure among fans of drag racing, forever remembered for her contributions to the sport.
Although Jungle Pam’s time in drag racing was relatively short, her impact can still be felt today. She is an icon, symbolizing the fun and vibrant spirit of drag racing in the 1970s. People admire her for the excitement she brought to the races and her unique sense of style.
Jungle Pam Hardy’s life and career are more than just a footnote in the history of drag racing. She is a legendary figure, forever etched in the hearts of fans. As we look back on that era, we remember not only the need for speed but also the emphasis on showmanship and style that Jungle Pam embodied.
What Happened to Ethel Kennedy’s 2 Children Who Tragically Died?
Ethel Kennedy faced unimaginable heartbreak throughout her life. Among the many tragedies she endured was the sudden loss of two of her sons. Take a closer look at the heartbreaking deaths of David and Michael Kennedy.
Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was a prominent figure in American history, known for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her strength in the face of family tragedies.
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy boarding a plane for San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March 1966. | Source: Getty Images
Born into a political dynasty, she married into one of the most iconic American families. She and Robert raised 11 children, navigating both the highs of public service and the lows of personal loss.
Despite her remarkable resilience, Ethel was no stranger to heartache, having tragically lost two of her sons — David and Michael Kennedy — in sudden and devastating circumstances.
Ethel Kennedy at the Restore Ball in New York City on September 28, 1970. | Source: Getty Images
David, the fourth of Ethel’s children, led a life deeply affected by trauma. At just 13 years old, he witnessed the assassination of his father on live television, an event that haunted him for the rest of his life.
Despite his promising beginnings, the emotional toll of his father’s death led David down a path of addiction. On April 25, 1984, he was found dead in his hotel room in Palm Beach, Florida, at 28.
David and Chris Kennedy watching a tennis match with their cousin, Ted Kennedy Jr., on August 25, 1974. | Source: Getty Images
He had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years, and while his cause of death wasn’t immediately clear, investigators eventually ruled out suicide.
There were ”no signs of foul play,” said Sergeant Henry L. Marchman, spokesman for the Police Department of Palm Beach. The results of a preliminary autopsy tonight were being studied, as officials suspected it was an accidental overdose.
David Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention on July 15, 1976, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
David, who resided in Boston, traveled to Palm Beach to visit his grandmother, Rose Kennedy, who was in poor health. His body was discovered by a hotel secretary, Elizabeth Barnett, around 11:30 a.m. after a family member called to check if he had left for his flight.
When there was no response from his room phone, the hotel staff were instructed to investigate, according to hotel spokesman Gerald H. Beebe Jr.
David Kennedy in New York in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
The spokesman noted that hotel staff had seen David the previous Tuesday, describing him as being in good spirits. A desk clerk even recalled him waving as he passed the front desk.
David’s uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, reflected on his nephew’s troubled life, stating, “We all pray that David has finally found the peace that he did not find in life.” The Kennedy family were no strangers to tragedy and mourned deeply, but the heartbreak did not end there.
Members of the Kennedy family escorted by Ethel Kennedy carrying the casket of David Kennedy from the hearse to the Kennedy House on May 4, 1984. | Source: Getty Images
Thirteen years later, in 1997, another devastating blow struck Ethel when her son Michael died in a skiing accident. Known for his adventurous spirit, Michael was skiing in Aspen, Colorado, when he collided with a tree, resulting in his immediate death at 39.
Michael Kennedy and Vicky Gifford at Attorney Roy Cohn’s birthday party in New York City on February 22, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
Michael had faced controversy in the years leading up to his death due to an alleged affair with the family’s babysitter. The scandal even affected his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II’s political aspirations.
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