It’s been a while, but at the announcement of the Jessi Combs Foundation this weekend, I knew it was time to write a Motor Miss Monday feature about the Queen of Speed.
Jessi Combs
For those who don’t know, Jessi Combs was a racer in many forms. From off-roading to monster trucks and being known as “the fastest woman on four-wheels” – Combs held up the title, and couldn’t help but challenge it. Combs holds the women’s land speed record of 512.7 miles per hour thanks to her 56 foot-long jet-powered car the ‘North American Eagle’. She was a trailblazer and was certainly proud of it – beaming at the growing prominence of women in the industry.
Outside of her role as a racer, Combs was known for her work as a metal fabricator and welder, having graduated in the top of her class with a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication. Her talents as a metal fabricator, artist and builder landed her many roles on television in shows like Powerblock, 2 Guys Garage, and even as a temporary host and builder on the all too impressive, Mythbusters.
Through her work in male-dominated fields, Combs has truly made waves, particularly in the racing community. In just one instance of her trailblazing spirit – The Race of Gentleman invited Jessi as the first woman to compete, placing her in a 1913 Twin Engine Model-T to race on the beach – making history in the process.
Combs was a role model for many young girls and aspiring racers. Her collaborations with women in the motorcycle community and support for bikes further compound her inspiring nature. From riding to Sturgis, riding with the Wild Gypsy Tour, participating in Babes Ride Out and collaborating with fellow female riders such as Kayla Koeune and Gevin Fax, Combs was a fan of the open road with a need for speed.
This inspiring woman always sought to push the envelope and push her own limits. She never rejected a fresh challenge and wanted to put other women in this mindset as well.
Combs didn’t just shatter barriers for women in the racing community, but in her field of expertise as well. Combs was working on starting her own metal fabrication shop, “A place where bad ass hot rods, motorcycles, custom trucks, race vehicles, and anything metal will originate with a feminine touch; where chicks can finally have a place to get dirty, be creative, use their skills, explore talents, go fast, and have fun in a comfortable working environment” (Jessi Combs).
This mission for gender equity in all realms is inspiring and the Jessi Combs Foundation truly ensures that this outstanding woman wants to maintain her progress. Just a few short weeks ago, on August 27th, Jessi Combs passed while attempting to break her own land speed record. Her legacy will be carried on through the Jessi Combs Foundation, which seeks to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of trailblazers who just can’t sit quietly in the confines of social norms.
While I never met Jessi, I know she touched the lives of many women in the riding and racing community, as well as women in male-dominated fields. Her push for ensuring equity in each realm she raced in and entered embodies the spirit of a true feminist motorist. It is my hope that us ladies can ride on, and do her proud.
Rest easy, Jessi. Thank you for being an inspiration.
the feminist motorist 