”All that showmanship was his true personality. He just didn’t turn that on at the track and then became normal like everyone else at home. He had that sort of flair even when we were just at the house or went out some place. You could always feel his presence wherever he was,” Pam says.
On a romantic level, Pam moved on. Being the racing lover that she is, she later married Funny Car owner Fred Frey. After their divorce, she married Bill Hodgson, who tunes 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 snapshots capture not just the roaring engines and vibrant colors of the era, but also the spirit of a community united by a shared passion for speed and excitement.
Jungle Pam broke new ground, proving that women could get respect in a male-dominated sport, all while bringing smiles and laughter to countless faces. She had a life that just doesn’t happen anymore. A woman of undeniable class, she lived life on her own terms — what more could anyone ask for?
Pam’s influence and charm made her an icon, reminding us that the joy of racing is not just about the speed, but about the connections we forge and the memories we create together.
As we revisit these vintage images, we are reminded of the joy and exhilaration that defined those races. We can almost hear the roar of the engines, smell the burnt rubber, and feel the adrenaline rush pulsing through the crowds. We call those the good ole days, and they really were. Times were fun and easier to say the least!
In a world that often feels disconnected, these glimpses into the past remind us of simpler times when excitement was palpable, and the thrill of the race brought people together.
Did Pam Hardy race a car herself?
No, Pam Hardy, known as “Jungle Pam,” didn’t race cars herself.
“Hell no, and hell no. Those things could blow up and catch fire,” as she put it herself.
