We all know racing isn’t safe. For those who love it, the risk is part of the reward. They know what they’re getting into. But, that never lessens the tragedy when the sport claims someone. Jessi Combs is no exception.
Combs was known as the “Fastest Woman on Four Wheels” for her record-setting runs in jet cars, and on August 27th, she set out to the Alvord Desert, a dry lake bed in southeast Oregon to break another record in her North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger jet car. She’d first set a record of 398 mph in in 2013, and had been attempting to break it since. Instead, she suffered a fatal crash. Combs was 36.
Combs was not only beloved amongst those in the race community, but was a face of the sport for more casual viewers and fans. A welder, builder and fabricator as well as a driver, Combs was an integral part of all aspects of racing and performance.
She appeared on Xtreme 4×4 for four years before an accident to her spinal cord and the subsequent recovery lead her to move on to new pursuits. She continued to appear on shows like 2 Guys Garage, TruckU and others before taking over for Kari Byron as a host and builder on the 7th season of Mythbusters.
The experience helped her develop her own voice and hosting abilities, which she brought to All Girls Garage and Overhaulin on Velocity Network.
Combs was driven — as a builder, a television personality, and an educator. But she was, more than anything, a racer. Competing not only as a land-speed racer, but as an off-road driver, she raced in the Ultra4’s King of the Hammers, taking home a Spec Class win in 2014, completing the Baja 1000 and racing in the Aicha des Gazelles rally race. In 2013, she joined the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger jet car team as a driver, completing a record pass. Last year, she’d attempted another record in the vehicle, hitting 483.227 mph before mechanical issues halted the run. She was doing another pass at the record yesterday when the accident occurred.
Outpourings of support and sorrow have already started to flow from the race and enthusiast community. Combs was well-known and well-loved for her ambition, strength, talent and presence. She broke literal barriers, both for women in the sport, and for the perception of what was possible as a racer in general.
Her own Twitter post, right before the accident, confirmed that while Combs new the risks of her chosen passion, she also understood the rewards: “It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire… those who are willing, are those who achieve great things. . . People say I’m crazy. I say thank you 😉 .”
Team member Terry Madden confirmed the accident yesterday, and posted a tribute to Combs on his Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
The world of racing is truly saddened by the loss of her presence. My heart is heavy with sorrow. God bless her in her afterlife
passed away doing what she loved God Bless
R.I.P Pretty lady. You will be missed by many.
SORRY FOR OUR LOST. SHE’LL BE WELL MISSED! HARD TO BELIEVE ANOTHER GREAT DIE.
My heart goes out to the family and friends. She was amazing on Overhauling, she would climb into a car and disassemble dash and interior and WHEN she finished it looked new. An amazing woman she will be missed dearly. R.I.P.
God above has a new wrench wish your family and friends peace at this very sad tie
Such a determine young lady that never was willing to give up. She will be and already is missed by so many. A true loss .
You loved what you did for a living and you went out the same way. RIP
She earned her wings. Gods speed Jesse
Truly sadden by this lost, she was a pleasure to watch on which every show I was able to watch her on at the time!!! She will be missed by many!! In my Thoughts and Prayers!!
Very sorry this accident happened. Hope the reason is revealed so it will not happen again. May GOD comfort us who morn.
You will be missed in so many ways, but there are not many people that can leave us doing what they truly love. I pray for the peace and sorrow of your family and friends. Heaven now has another beautiful off road racer to tear up the clouds. R.I.P. Jessie
We will surly miss this fine young lady! R.I.P.
Candy Man Dan.
Once again jessi never set a land speed record in the NAE she only went faster then craig breedloves wife did a long time ago. At the lake bed before her crash she was trying to go faster then kitty oneal did also a lone time ago. At no time has the NAE with jessi driving set a lans speed record.
I watch her on 2 girls garage. My wife says “You only watch that show, because you think she’s cute.” Actually I like women who can do shit. Bye Bye, babyface…See ya next life
Jessi was a rare breed.
Her genuine personality and beauty made her a natural for TV, but she also had the skills to really build the projects they were presenting.
You will be missed, Godspeed Jessi.
My thoughts and prayers for your family and friends.
Jessi seemed to have such a great personality and always enjoyed watching her on TV and her accomplishments from Girls Garage and her many other shows. She will be sorely missed by all and my thoughts and prayers to her Family and Friends. A huge loss to the Car World.. very sad but she passed on doing what she loved, way too early! She is in God’s hands now as i am sure he has something special he needs her for! God Bless Jessi and the Combs Family🙏🏻
very sad to hear loved what she did in the racing world will be missed by all