Jay Howell
Pamela (Pam) Hardly is better known as Jungle Pam from her years as Jungle Jim Leiberman’s “back up girl”. Pam is considered by most racers and spectators to be the original back up girl and much like Linda Vaughn who set the standards for bringing lasting attention to the sport, she proved that great looking ladies in colorful costumes add greatly to the “on track” show.
When Jim first met Pam, he already had a reputation as a real showman, making fiery burn outs, 100 mph backups and even full-track wheel stands. Jim met Pam when he saw her walking down the sidewalk and stopped to talk to her and ultimately offered her an opportunity to join him on tour. The pair added greatly to Jim’s “showman” title when Pam accepted his offer and became his back up girl. Dressing in her “patented” short-cut off-jeans and braless halter top, Pam was also responsible for presenting the sport with a sexy but wholesome image and generated a lot of interest from new fans that still exists today.
Unlike many of the later “back up girls”, Pam was also part of the crew. She often packed the parachute, added the water and oil after each run and learned quickly how to check for oil and water leaks. Unfortunately, Jim died in a car crash in 1977 and Pam backed away from any active race participation.
