Jungle Jim Bio, Family, Career, Wife, Net Worth, Measurements

Russell James Liberman, aka Jungle Jim Hardy, was a popular American drag racer. The rider was also ranked 17th on the “NHRA Top 50 Riders” list. Unfortunately, Russell lost his life in a car accident on September 9, 1977 at the age of 31.

Also, during his career, he wouldn’t attend any event without a certain character by his side. So a beautiful lady named Pamela Hardy aka Pam of the Jungle seen next to him in the year 1972 who quickly caught the eye. Soon after, the duo’s career reached its peak, moreover, Pam became the driver’s cool sidekick and ultimate girlfriend. Stay tuned for more.

JUNGLE JIM HARDY: BIOGRAPHY, FAMILY, EDUCATION

It has been over two decades since he left the world, however, the pilot was born on September 12, 1945 as Russell James Liberman. He was born in Abington Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania to supportive parents. But no information available on his parents or his siblings in the media.

For his education, to pursue a career in racing, he dropped out of high school in the first year. No information about his high school, which he had attended. Additionally, he moved to Northern California where he started drag racing.

JUNGLE JIM HARDY: CAREER AND LIFE ACHIEVEMENTS

He began his racing career in 1964 in the stock division of Foreman Raceway. After that, he hopped on fun cars driving a nitromethane-injected Nova. The same year he started racing on the national as the driver of Lew Arrington’s supercharged Funny Car GTO, Brutus. The following year, 1966, he rode his first supercharged Chevy II and nicknamed ‘Jungle Jim’ the same year.

Then he went on a tour in 1967 that made him a household name in drag racing. His success prompted him to drive two cars in 1968. Later, together with his sidekick Pam Hardy, he gained enormous popularity. Additionally, they were featured in several automotive magazines, including Hot Rod Magazines on the cover of February 1973.

Although he distrusted the NHRA, he won a national event in NHRA competition at the 1975 Summernationals. In 1972 and 1972 he attended 100 race meetings, the record tied by ‘TV Tommy’ Ivo and ED’ The Ace” McCulloch. He also drove the first candy blue painted Vega fun car that appeared in August 1972 with Pam. The second Vega was driven by Roy Harris.

JUNGLE JIM HARDY: DEATH

Funny racer Liberman lost his life while driving his 1972 Corvette streetcar in West Goshen Township near West Chester, Pennsylvania. The incident happened when he rounded a corner on the West Chester Pike at excessive speed. It collided with a SEPTA transit bus on September 9, 1977.

The bus killed him instantly after his car got stuck under the bumper and under the bus frame. Moreover, extracting his body from the wreckage took more than 45 minutes.

JUNGLE JIM HARDY: PERSONAL LIFE AND GIRLFRIEND

The successful runner had never married nor had he had the chance to tie a knot with his girlfriend Pam. Because before that he died in a car accident at the age of 31. Moreover, after appointing the beautiful girl Pamela Hardy as his sidekick, the two had to stay together for a long time. The duo also toured for four years, which began to show feelings for each other. Therefore, they started dating.

After his death, Pam moved out and married Fred Frey, owner of Funny Car. However, their relationship did not go well and divorced after a few years. Since then, she seems to be single and not in a relationship with anyone. In addition, she leads a discreet life away from the media.

JUNGLE JIM HARDY: NET WORTH AND SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES

During its lifetime, the racer had amassed huge fans and would become the first choice for some automakers to advertise their cars. Additionally, he had also posed for several automotive magazine covers with his girlfriend. Hence, it has been a long time and he had his successful career in the 70s and ended after his death in 1977. At that time, his net worth must have been estimated at over $1 million.

As far as social media sites go, if I’m right, it was first recognized in 1997. Twenty years after Russell’s death, so it’s impossible for him to use the social media platforms of today like Instagram and Twitter.