Back-up vs Pin-up

By Dan Ricks

What is the difference between the two and how do they both relate in the nostalgic racing world?

First let us look at the pinup side, what does it mean to be a pin-up girl? Well, you should know that “pin” means pin; while “up” is up. Two English words whose union comes to form the expression “hanging on the wall.” For this reason, all the photographs, calendars, postcards, illustrations...that were hung on the wall, and had a suggestive, provocative posture...they were considered pin-up.

As we have mentioned, being a pin-up girl meant breaking with the norm, and not caring about doing it or what they will say. Therefore, you had to be a very self-confident woman, with high self-esteem and who did not mind seducing, being daring, spicy, even naughty, always with elegance and glamour, since what differentiated them from other types of women is that they do not fall into vulgarity. In other words, they left the honey on their lips when hinting and suggesting, but without going any further.
Wavy hairstyles, waves, loops, and even toupees were a trademark of pin-up girls. In addition to the colors in the hair, although this was not usual. In fact, there were brunettes and blondes, but redheads used to attract the attention of many because of that unusual color.



In addition, they used to adorn their hair with bows and other accessories to give touches of color, especially when it was more “normal.”

Now let us look at the side of the back-up girl and or guy. Though that scene occurred years ago it is still fresh in the memory of many who had the chance to watch the dynamic duo.

Jungle Pam is one of the most iconic and well known “backup girl” She not only brought her own form of showmanship to the races, but her job did serve a purpose.

The “purpose” of a backup girl is to guide the driver of a car as they back up to the starting line after doing a burn out. The objective is to help the driver steer the car backwards to precisely follow the wiped clean and heated path of the slicks to improve traction. She and others like her did and do much more, including turning wrenches and other car and team related work. She has inspired many women worldwide to find their place within the sport, whether it be backing up cars, taking on pit girl duties, or getting in the driver's seat. Many of the ladies and or guys nowadays wear costumes matching their team’s colors or other interesting apparel.

So, in conclusion even though there are differences between the two and at times they do crossover especially in the nostalgia drag racing world I think no matter what side you are on backup or pinup we owe them both a lot of gratitude for what they do in keeping us all entertained!