Jessi Combs was more than a racer—she was a trailblazer. From off-road challenges to record-breaking land-speed runs, she pushed the limits of skill and determination. A talented fabricator, TV personality, and advocate for women in motorsports, she inspired countless others to follow their passions fearlessly. Her legacy lives on, proving that no dream is out of reach. So, take your time to read this interesting article about Jessi Combs: The Fastest Woman on Four Wheels and a Trailblazer in Motorsports.
Jessi Combs: Breaking Barriers, Chasing Speed
Jessi Combs was more than just a racer—she was an unstoppable force, a pioneer, and an inspiration for generations of women in motorsports and fabrication. From the toughest off-road races to setting land speed records, she proved that passion, determination, and courage could break any barrier. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy continues to inspire those who dare to dream big and push limits.
From Fabrication to the Fast Lane
Born in 1983 in Rapid City, South Dakota, Jessi developed an early interest in mechanics, adventure, and pushing boundaries. Her technical skills led her to WyoTech, where she studied automotive fabrication and became a standout student. She didn’t just learn the trade—she mastered it, proving her capabilities in a male-dominated industry.
Her talent quickly gained recognition, and she became a television personality, co-hosting and appearing in several automotive and engineering-based programs:
Xtreme 4×4 (2005–2009) – As a co-host, she became one of the first women on a mainstream automotive show, showcasing her mechanical skills in off-road vehicle builds.
Overhaulin’ (2012–2014) – Jessi worked alongside legendary designer Chip Foose, helping restore and modify classic cars.
All Girls Garage (2012) – A show focused on women working in the automotive world, where she demonstrated fabrication and vehicle restoration techniques.
MythBusters (2009, 2018) – She filled in as a host in two seasons, applying her mechanical and problem-solving expertise to test myths.
The List: 1001 Car Things to Do Before You Die (2011–2017) – Jessi co-hosted this automotive adventure series, traveling the world to complete thrilling car-related challenges.
These shows allowed her to share her expertise with a global audience, inspiring women to pursue careers in mechanics, engineering, and racing.
Breaking Barriers in Off-Road Racing
Jessi was not only a skilled fabricator but also an elite racer. She competed in some of the world’s most grueling off-road events, including:
Baja 1000 – One of the most challenging endurance races in the world.
Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles – A navigation-based rally in Morocco, where she competed in an all-female event pushing skill and endurance to the limit.
King of the Hammers (2011) – She made history by becoming the first woman to place in this brutal Ultra4 off-road competition.
Her fearless attitude and determination made her a role model for aspiring racers, proving that women could excel in one of the toughest motorsport disciplines.
The Need for Speed: Chasing Land Speed Records
Despite her success in off-road racing, Jessi had an even bigger dream: to become the fastest woman on four wheels. In 2013, she set a women’s land speed record of 398 mph (640 km/h) in the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger. But she wasn’t done—she aimed to push even further.
On August 27, 2019, during an attempt to break her own record in Oregon’s Alvord Desert, Jessi tragically lost her life. However, her final run secured her place in history: in 2020, Guinness World Records officially recognized her as the fastest woman on Earth, with a speed of 522.783 mph (841.338 km/h).
A Legacy That Lives On
Jessi Combs’ influence extends far beyond her racing achievements. She was a mentor, a trailblazer, and a fearless advocate for women in motorsports and fabrication. In her honor, the Jessi Combs Foundation was established to support and empower women pursuing careers in automotive and industrial fields.
Her motto, “You can do anything you set your mind to,” continues to inspire countless individuals to chase their dreams, defy expectations, and live life without limits.
Though she is no longer with us, Jessi’s legacy remains unshaken—etched in the sands of the desert, the tracks of off-road courses, and the hearts of those she inspired. She proved that speed is not just about breaking records but about breaking barriers, and that true greatness comes from daring to go where no one has gone before.
The Jessi Combs Foundation: Empowering the Next Generation
Jessi Combs’ legacy extends far beyond her racing achievements. After her passing, her family and close friends established the Jessi Combs Foundation (JCF) to honor her spirit and continue her mission of breaking barriers for women in male-dominated industries.
The foundation’s core mission is to educate, inspire, and empower women who want to pursue careers in trades, motorsports, and fabrication—fields where Jessi herself thrived and made a lasting impact.
Mission and Programs
The Jessi Combs Foundation focuses on three key initiatives:
1. Scholarships for Women in Trades
JCF provides financial support to women seeking education in automotive, welding, engineering, and industrial trades. The goal is to eliminate financial barriers and encourage more women to enter these traditionally male-dominated professions.
2. Grants and Mentorship Programs
The foundation offers grants to help women gain hands-on experience, attend workshops, and connect with industry professionals. By fostering a supportive community, JCF helps young women build confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed.
3. Continuing Jessi’s Legacy
JCF works to keep Jessi’s adventurous spirit alive by organizing events, outreach programs, and partnerships that promote female participation in motorsports, off-road racing, and fabrication.
Jessi’s Message Lives On
The foundation embraces Jessi’s belief that “You can do anything you set your mind to”, encouraging women to challenge stereotypes and pursue their dreams fearlessly. Through scholarships, mentorship, and advocacy, JCF ensures that her passion for empowering women continues to make a difference.
For those inspired by Jessi’s journey, supporting the Jessi Combs Foundation—whether through donations, mentorship, or spreading awareness—is a way to help shape the future of women in trades and motorsports.
Even after her passing, Jessi’s impact is stronger than ever. She may have been the fastest woman on four wheels, but her real legacy is the path she paved for future generations to follow.
Jessi’s Legacy
2004
Graduates from WyoTech with a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication and is hired to build a 1964 Mercury Cyclone from the ground up to showcase at SEMA in Las Vegas.
2004
Guest fabricator appearances on Overhaulin’
kickstarted Jessi’s TV career.
2004-2008
Co-hosted Xtreme 4×4 on Spike TV for 90+ episodes.
2008
Developed a line of women’s protective welding gear as spokesperson for Lincoln Electric.
2008-2013
Spokesperson for the American Welding Society.
2009
Filled in as host and builder during season 7 of Mythbusters.
2011
2nd-place class 10 finish in the Baja 1000, considered the toughest race of its kind.
2011-2014
Co-host and builder on Velocity Channel’s All Girls Garage
2012-2014
Hosted and built for Overhaulin’s return to TV.
2013
Drove the North American Eagle at record 398 mph with top speed of 440 mph. Becomes The Fastest Woman on 4 Wheels.
2014
Spec class win in the King of the Hammers made her the first woman to ever place at Ultra4event. KOH is the most brutal one-day desert race in the world with only a 20% finishing rate. She proceeded to podium to finish the entire season & win the national championship [spec class].
2015
1st-place finish in the First Participation category (10th Place Overall) at the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles: a 9-day, all-woman off-road rally through the Moroccan Sahara using only a compass and 1960 hand-drawn maps.
2015
Invited as one of the first women to compete in The Race of Gentlemen, driving a twin engine 1913 Model T.
2015
Jessi’s first children’s book published, “Joey and the Chopper Boys,” a story about a little girl who rides motorcycles.
2015
Part of all-female driving team that took 2nd-place Class 7 Finish in Baja 1000.
2015
Created The Real Deal, a lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering others to break stereotypes, shatter expectations and believe that anything is possible.
2016
1st-place finish in King of the Hammers re-earned Jessi the nickname “Queen of the Hammers.”
2016
Can be seen on “The List: 1001 Car Things to Do Before You Die” on autoblog.com for Velocity Channel.
2017
Named the official Grand Marshal for the 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the 15th Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride! After 77 years, Jessi Combs was the first woman to ever be named Grand Marshal of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
2017
Having never been done before by a {wo}man, Jessi attempts to iron[wo]man the 50th running of the Baja 1000, driving all 1200+ miles solo. Alas Baja won this year, ending Jessi’s attempt at mile 357.
2018
Jessi sets a new personal top speed of 483.277 miles per hour in her pursuit of becoming the fastest women overall.
August 27th 2019:
On August 27th Jessi achieves her dream of setting a new overall women’s land speed record of 522.783 miles per hour breaking the 40 year old previous record set by American stuntwoman Kitty O’Neil, whose jet-powered, three-wheeled vehicle hit 512.7 mph in 1976 in the Alvord Desert. Unfortunately Jessi died in an accident on her final run.
September 23rd 2019:
Jessi’s life, accomplishments and impact on the world are honored in a special exhibit “JESSI COMBS: LIFE AT FULL SPEED” held at the Petersen Automotive Museum, a place she visited often and remarked that one day she’d have her work displayed there. The exhibit marked the official launch of The Jessi Combs Foundation
