Jungle Pam Hardy: The Woman Who Brought Style and Attitude to Drag Racing

In the world of 1970s drag racing, where roaring engines and high-speed thrills ruled the track, Jungle Pam Hardy became an unforgettable icon. Her name might not be as widely recognized as some of the racing legends, but for those who followed the sport, she was a game-changer.

Pam Hardy wasn’t just a bystander in the male-dominated drag racing scene—she was an essential part of the spectacle, bringing energy, charisma, and a unique flair that left fans in awe. And while her time in the sport lasted just four years, her legacy has endured for decades.

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

Pam’s journey into the world of drag racing wasn’t planned. Born Pamela Hardy, her story took an unexpected turn just weeks before she graduated high school in May 1972. While hitchhiking one day, she was spotted by Jim Liberman, better known as “Jungle Jim”, one of drag racing’s most flamboyant and charismatic figures.

At the time, Pam was preparing to attend West Chester University of Pennsylvania to study business, but fate had other plans. After meeting Liberman, she ditched college and joined him on the road—much to her mother’s dismay.

Together, Jim and Pam became one of the most talked-about duos in the world of drag racing. Liberman, known for his fearless showmanship, saw an opportunity in Pam—not just as a companion, but as a vital part of the Jungle Jim experience.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Jungle Jim Liberman Chevy Vega Funny Car – Revell – Jungle Pam. Photo shoot for Hot Rod Magazine with Jungle Jim Liberman and Jungle Pam Hardy. (Photo by Mike Brenner/The Enthusiast Network via Getty Images/Getty Images)

While Pam’s striking looks turned heads, she was far more than just eye candy at the track. She quickly became an essential part of the racing team, helping stage the car, checking for leaks, filling the engine with oil and water, and even packing parachutes after each run.

And of course, there was her signature look—braless tank tops, skimpy shorts, and an infectious enthusiasm that made her a fan favorite.

“Well, sex sells,” Pam admitted in an interview with Competition Plus. “You see it on TV all the time. But back in the ‘70s, Jungle and I decided together that this would be worth a shot. It didn’t seem to hurt his reputation at all. And he had more pictures taken of his car as long as I was standing next to it than anybody else.”

Despite the attention, Pam was respected in the racing world. She was the first woman ever featured on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine and became one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.

Did Pam Hardy Race a Car Herself?

No, Pam Hardy, known as “Jungle Pam,” never raced cars herself.

“Hell no, and hell no. Those things could blow up and catch fire,” she said when asked if she ever considered getting behind the wheel.

Pam was more than happy to be part of the team and the show, but she left the driving to the professionals.

The Tragic End of Jungle Jim

Pam and Jim’s partnership was electric, but their time together was tragically cut short. On September 9, 1977, just three days before his 32nd birthday, Jim Liberman lost his life in a devastating car crash.

Driving his 1972 yellow Corvette at 250 mph, he collided with a bus, dying instantly. The news sent shockwaves through the motorsports community.

Pam, devastated by his loss, made the painful decision to step away from drag racing forever.

“It was my mother who called me and told me,” she recalled.
“She didn’t want me to hear it on the news.”

After Jim’s tragic passing, Pam vowed never to work with another driver again. She retired from the sport and moved on to the next chapter of her life.

Life After Racing

Though Pam left the professional racing scene, she remained deeply connected to the sport. She dedicated herself to preserving Jim Liberman’s memory, frequently attending memorial events in his honor.

She eventually moved on personally, later marrying Funny Car owner Fred Frey, and after their divorce, Bill Hodgson, who tunes George Reidnauer’s Excalibur Corvette Nostalgia Funny Car.

Pam’s impact on drag racing remains undeniable. She broke barriers, proved that women could command respect in a male-dominated sport, and left behind a legacy that still resonates with racing fans today.

Where Is Jungle Pam Hardy Today?

Today, at 67 years old, Pam Hardy lives a relatively quiet life but still stays connected to drag racing at the grassroots level. While her days of backing up Jungle Jim’s car are long past, she remains as striking and charismatic as ever.

She’s known not just for her iconic presence in racing history, but also for her down-to-earth personality and genuine charm.

Pam Hardy’s story is a reminder that legends aren’t just made behind the wheel—they’re made by those who bring heart, passion, and love for the sport to every moment.