Often called “The First Lady of Motorsports,” Linda Vaughn has left an enduring trail of memories throughout the motosports world, as much based on her passion for the sport, as for her trophy queen looks and charm.

Born in Dalton, GA, her career began as a dental technician. Linda soon found that work unfulfilling and entered a beauty contest, which she won. Shortly after, she tried her hand again, this time in one sponsored by Atlanta Raceway. Winning that contest brought her a year’s work, representing the track at other events in the southern states, such as Charlotte, Darlington and Daytona.

Another contest, this time by sponsored by Pure Oil Company, brought a few more years of work as “Miss Pure Firebird” until Pure Oil merged with the Union Oil Company. Browsing through an issue of Hot Rod, she found an ad from Hurst, looking for a new Miss Hurst Golden Shifter. She won the preliminary competition in Atlanta and then the overall title from among 200 other entries.

With that began one of the longest reigns of automotive royalty ever. Given the broad reach of the Hurst company, Linda’s appearances ranged across much of the sport, from SCCA to Formula 1 and NASCAR to Indy racing. While some criticized her for misusing her remarkable form, it was always done in good fun. Beyond the trophy queen appearances, though, Linda tirelessly worked to promote sponsors, the sport itself and women’s racing.

For a time, she raced competitively after completing her SCCA license at the Bondurant School. At a time when America needed her most, she toured military bases in South Vietnam, along with Don Garlits and Richard Petty. “I believe in standing up for America. My first love affair was with American cars and still is, so I’m glad I grew up in the ’60s with muscle cars and rock and roll,” she explained of her passion. Among her favorite musicians are Bob Seeger and The Rolling Stones.

Through her career, Linda has also been involved in movies and television. She starred in Gumball Rally in 1976 and Stroker Ace with Burt Reynolds in 1983. She also the hosted “The Exciting World of Speed and Beauty,” a series which aired on ESPN in the 1990’s.

The muscle car era in the United States was unique for both the cars and personalities that came out of it. Though you’ll no longer find Linda Vaughn riding around on the back of an Oldsmobile, you’re likely to find her signing autographs at major events, where she continues to represent Hurst with charm and grace.