However, she quietly dedicated herself to keeping the memory of Jim Lieberman alive and often participated in memorial events for her late boyfriend.
‘The whole show was his true personality. He just didn’t turn it on at the track, and then he’d get regular like everybody else at home. He had that gut feeling even when we were just sitting at home or going somewhere. You could always feel his presence wherever he was,’ says Pam.
On a romantic level, Pam lived on. Being a racing enthusiast, she married Funny Car team owner Fred Frey. After their divorce, she married Bill Hodgson, who tuned George Reidnauer’s Excalibur Corvette Nostalgia Funny Car.
The truth behind the photos
Looking through old drag racing photos from the 1970s is a fascinating journey back in time. These photos capture not only the roaring engines and bright colours of that era, but also the spirit of a community united by a shared passion for speed and excitement.
Jungle Pam blazed a new trail, proving that women could achieve respect in a male-dominated sport, while bringing smiles and laughter to countless faces. She had a life like no other. A woman of undeniable class, she lived life on her own terms – what more could you want?
Pam’s influence and charm made her an icon, reminding us that the joy of racing is not just about speed, but about the connections we make and the memories we create together.
As we revisit these vintage images, we are reminded of the joy and jubilation that defined those races. We can almost hear the roar of the engines, smell the burnt rubber, feel the adrenaline rush in the crowd. We call it the good old days, and they really were. Times were fun and, to say the least, easy!
In a world that often seems disjointed, these glimpses into the past remind us of simpler times when the excitement was palpable and the thrill of racing brought people together.
Did Pam Hardy race herself?
No, Pam Hardy, known as ‘Pam from the Jungle,’ did not race herself.
‘Hell no, and no. Those things can blow up and catch fire,’ as she put it herself.
Pam Hardy in the jungle today.
Today, in her 67s, Pam Hardy leads a relatively quiet life, staying close to her grassroots drag racing roots. She is as vibrant and energetic as ever – a truly attractive woman with timeless charm.
Pam is known not only for her legendary presence in the racing world, but also for being an honest, down-to-earth person. Her genuine personality continues to resonate with fans. Pam still brings smiles to those who remember her legendary days on and off the track.
Thanks for the memories, Pam!