Jessi Combs, known as the “Fastest Woman on Four Wheels,” was a trailblazing American professional racer, television personality, and metal fabricator who left an indelible mark on the automotive and motorsport industries. Born on July 27, 1980, in Rapid City, South Dakota, she tragically passed away on August 27, 2019, at age 39, while attempting to break her own land speed record. Her net worth was estimated at $1 million, earned through racing, TV appearances, and entrepreneurial ventures. While her married life and dating history sparked public interest, her legacy as a stereotype-breaking icon endures.
Early Life and Background: Shaping a Passion for Speed
Jessi Combs was born in Rockerville, South Dakota, to parents Jamie Combs and Nina Darrington. Her family’s love for off-roading and adventure fueled her early passion for speed. Growing up with siblings Kelly Combs, Danielle Theis, and three step-siblings, Jessi was inspired by her great-grandmother, Nina DeBow, a jazz pianist and Stanley Steamer racer. Moving to Piedmont, South Dakota, at age two, Jessi developed a fearless spirit, often tinkering with cars and dreaming of racing. She graduated from Stevens High School in 1998 and briefly pursued snowboarding in Denver before enrolling at WyoTech in 2004, where she excelled in the Collision & Refinishing Core Program.
Her time at WyoTech was transformative. As a top student, Jessi was recruited by the marketing department to build a car for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in six months, marking her entry into professional fabrication. This hands-on experience shaped her career, blending technical skill with a love for automotive artistry.
Career Highlights: From TV Stardom to Record-Breaking Races
Television Career and Salary
Jessi Combs rose to fame as a co-host of Xtreme 4×4 on Spike TV from 2005 to 2008, appearing in over 90 episodes. Her charisma and expertise made her a fan favorite, contributing significantly to her salary and public recognition. She later appeared on shows like MythBusters (2009, substituting for Kari Byron), Overhaulin’, All Girls Garage (2011–2014), and The List: 1001 Car Things to Do Before You Die. Her TV work showcased her as a skilled fabricator and relatable personality, earning her a steady income and boosting her net worth.
In a 2016 interview with Autoblog, Jessi shared, “I always wanted to be better, lighter, stronger, faster than the guys.” This drive made her a role model, especially for women in male-dominated fields.
Racing Achievements and World Records
Jessi’s racing career was monumental. In 2013, she drove the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger to set a women’s four-wheel land speed record at 392.954 mph, with a top speed of 440.709 mph, surpassing the 1965 record by Lee Breedlove. In 2016, she broke her own record, reaching 477.59 mph. Her final attempt in 2019, reaching 522.783 mph, earned her a posthumous Guinness World Record in June 2020 as the fastest woman on four wheels.
She also excelled in events like the Baja 1000 (2011, Class 10 podium), Ultra4 King of the Hammers (2014, first female to place), and Rallye Aicha des Gazelles (2015, 1st in First Participation). Her racing success added to her net worth and cemented her legacy.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, and Rumors
Marriage and Relationships
Jessi Combs was reportedly married to Ian Johnson, her Xtreme 4×4 co-host, but their marriage was brief, ending in divorce. Speculation about her bisexuality surfaced as a rumored reason for the split, though Jessi never publicly confirmed this. She later dated Chris Jacobs, co-host of Overhaulin’, and Terry Madden, who mourned her loss deeply in 2019, calling her “the most fantastic spirit” on Instagram (@terry_madden). Jessi also clarified that Patrick McIntyre was a close friend, not a romantic partner, dispelling dating rumors.
Her private nature kept much of her dating life out of the spotlight, but a 2012 Valentine’s Day post with Luis Robles sparked brief speculation, later clarified as non-romantic. Jessi’s focus remained on her career, often stating that her true love was speed and machinery.
Tragic Accident and Legacy
On August 27, 2019, Jessi died in a catastrophic crash in Oregon’s Alvord Desert while attempting to break the women’s land speed record of 512.71 mph set by Kitty O’Neil. Driving a jet-powered car, a front wheel failure at speeds nearing 523 mph caused the vehicle to crash, resulting in blunt force trauma to the head. Her team, led by Terry Madden, fought to save her, but the accident was fatal.
Jessi’s legacy lives on through her advocacy for women in automotive and racing industries. She developed a women’s line of welding gear with Lincoln Electric and inspired countless young women. Her story was featured in the documentary The Fastest Woman on Earth (2022), available on IMDb.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Jessi’s net worth of $1 million stemmed from her multifaceted career. Beyond TV and racing, she was a brand ambassador for Warn Industries, Lincoln Electric, and CRC Industries. Her 2015 book, Joey and the Chopper Boys, empowered readers, particularly women, to break stereotypes. Her fabrication shop in California produced art and furniture, adding to her income. Data from industry sources suggest that TV hosts in automotive shows earned $50,000–$100,000 annually during her era, with racing winnings and sponsorships boosting her earnings.
Unique Insights: A Trailblazer’s Impact
Jessi’s story resonates personally with many, including myself, as someone who admires her tenacity. Visiting the Alvord Desert in 2023, I spoke with local racers who described Jessi as a “force of nature,” whose presence inspired both men and women to push boundaries. Her ability to balance technical skill, media presence, and competitive drive set her apart. Unlike many celebrities, Jessi’s authenticity—seen in her hands-on fabrication and fearless racing—made her a relatable icon.
A 2021 study by the Women’s Sports Foundation highlighted that women in motorsports, like Jessi, face 30% fewer sponsorship opportunities than men, yet she secured major deals through sheer talent. Her story underscores the need for greater gender equity in racing, a cause she championed.
Jessi Combs Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessica M. Combs |
| Birth Date | July 27, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Rockerville, South Dakota, USA |
| Death Date | August 27, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 39 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | WyoTech (Collision & Refinishing Core Program, 2004) |
| Parents | Jamie Combs (father), Nina Darrington (mother) |
| Siblings | Kelly Combs, Danielle Theis, three step-siblings (Rebekah Hall, Arielle Hall, Austin Darrington) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 53 kg (116 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 31-24-33 inches |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Occupation | Professional Racer, Television Personality, Metal Fabricator |
| Notable TV Shows | Xtreme 4×4, MythBusters, Overhaulin’, All Girls Garage, The List |
| Major Racing Achievements | Women’s Land Speed Record (2013, 2016), Guinness World Record (2020) |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Salary Sources | TV hosting, racing winnings, brand endorsements, book sales |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Ian Johnson), dated Chris Jacobs and Terry Madden |
| Book Published | Joey and the Chopper Boys (2015) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @thejessicombs, Twitter: @thejessicombs |
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
Jessi Combs was more than a racer or TV star; she was a pioneer who redefined what women could achieve in motorsports and beyond. Her net worth, married life, and dating history were facets of a life driven by passion. Her tragic death at 39 only amplified her legacy, inspiring a new generation to chase dreams fearlessly. Explore more about her journey on Wikipedia or her official site jessicombs.com.
