Jessi Combs, known as the “Fastest Woman on Four Wheels,” was an American professional racer, television personality, and metal fabricator whose passion for speed and innovation left an indelible mark on motorsports. Born on July 27, 1980, in Rockerville, 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. This article delves into her biography, career, marriage, dating history, height, weight, and lasting legacy, offering fresh insights and updated information.
Early Life and Background: Shaping a Trailblazer
Jessi Combs was born to parents Jamie Combs and Nina Darrington in a family that nurtured her love for adventure and off-roading. Growing up in Rapid City, South Dakota, and later moving to Piedmont at age two, Jessi was influenced by her great-grandmother, Nina DeBow, a jazz pianist who raced Stanley Steamers. This early exposure to speed ignited her passion for automotive excellence. After graduating from Stevens High School in 1998, Jessi briefly pursued snowboarding in Denver before enrolling at WyoTech in 2004, where she excelled in the Collision & Refinishing Core Program, Street Rod Fabrication, and High-Performance Powertrain courses.
Her time at WyoTech was pivotal. As a top student, she was recruited to build a car for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, a project that launched her into the world of professional fabrication. This hands-on experience blended her technical skills with her love for automotive artistry, setting the stage for her multifaceted career.
Career Highlights: Racing, TV, and Fabrication
Jessi Combs’ career was a testament to her versatility. She 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, significantly boosting 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. In 2018, she featured on Jay Leno’s Garage, driving a Bugatti Chiron, showcasing her prowess as a driver.
As a racer, Jessi achieved monumental success. In 2013, she set a women’s four-wheel land speed record with a run of 398.954 mph in the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger, breaking a 48-year-old record. She surpassed this in 2016 with a top speed of 477.59 mph. Her final attempt in 2019 reached 522.783 mph before a tragic crash in Oregon’s Alvord Desert, earning her a posthumous Guinness World Record in 2020 for the fastest woman on four wheels. Her racing achievements included a 2014 Ultra 4 Spec Class National Championship and a 2016 King of the Hammers victory.
Jessi’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through her brand ambassadorships with companies like Warn Industries and Lincoln Electric, and her 2015 book, Joey and the Chopper Boys, which inspired readers to defy stereotypes. Her advocacy for women in motorsports was profound, as she highlighted the 30% fewer sponsorship opportunities for women, per a 2021 Women’s Sports Foundation study, yet secured major deals through her talent.
Personal Life: Marriage, Dating, and Relationships
Jessi Combs’ marriage to Ian Johnson, her Xtreme 4×4 co-host, was brief and ended in divorce. Speculation about her bisexuality emerged as a rumored reason for the split, though Jessi never confirmed this. She later dated Chris Jacobs, co-host of Overhaulin’, and Terry Madden, who mourned her loss deeply in 2019 via Instagram (@terry_madden), calling her “the most fantastic spirit.” Jessi clarified that Patrick McIntyre was a close friend, not a romantic partner, dispelling dating rumors. A 2012 Valentine’s Day post with Luis Robles sparked speculation, later clarified as non-romantic. Jessi’s private nature kept her dating life largely out of the spotlight, with her true love being speed and machinery.
Physical Attributes: Height, Weight, and Presence
Jessi Combs’ height was 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), and her weight was approximately 53 kg (116 lbs), maintained through her dedication to athletics. Her body measurements were 34-24-35 inches, with blonde hair and blue eyes, contributing to her striking presence both on-screen and in the racing world. Her athletic build and racing outfits became iconic, reflecting her commitment to fitness and style.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success
Jessi Combs’ net worth was estimated at $1 million at the time of her death, derived from her racing career, television appearances, and business ventures. Her salary from TV shows like Xtreme 4×4 and Overhaulin’ was substantial, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Her entrepreneurial efforts, including her welding gear line for women and brand partnerships, further bolstered her wealth. Jessi’s ability to thrive in a male-dominated industry underscores her financial acumen and determination.
Legacy and Impact: Inspiring a Generation
Jessi’s legacy transcends her records. Her story, documented in the 2022 film The Fastest Woman on Earth, highlights her relentless pursuit of excellence. She inspired countless women to break barriers in motorsports, a field where gender disparities persist. Her motivational speeches empowered audiences to chase their dreams, as she once said, “I always wanted to be better, lighter, stronger, faster than the guys.” Her tragic death at 39 amplified her impact, with tributes pouring in on social media platforms like Instagram (@thejessicombs) and X.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jessica Combs |
| Birth Date | July 27, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Rockerville, South Dakota, USA |
| Death Date | August 27, 2019 |
| Age at Death | 39 |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 53 kg (116 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 34-24-35 inches |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Parents | Jamie Combs, Nina Darrington |
| Siblings | Kelly Combs, Danielle Theis, Austin Darrington, Rebekah Hall, Arielle Hall |
| Education | WyoTech (Collision & Refinishing, Street Rod, High-Performance Powertrain) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Ian Johnson) |
| Dating History | Chris Jacobs, Terry Madden, Luis Robles (non-romantic), Patrick McIntyre (friend) |
| Occupation | Professional Racer, Television Personality, Metal Fabricator |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Notable Shows | Xtreme 4×4, Overhaulin’, MythBusters, All Girls Garage |
| Major Achievements | Women’s Land Speed Record (2013, 2016), Guinness World Record (2020) |
| Book | Joey and the Chopper Boys (2015) |
Unique Insights and Original Perspective
Jessi’s journey offers a case study in resilience. Despite a 2007 accident that fractured her spine, she recovered within eight months, demonstrating her tenacity. Her ability to navigate a male-dominated industry while maintaining authenticity resonates with modern audiences. Original research into her social media presence reveals that her Instagram posts often highlighted her fabrication work, suggesting a deeper passion for building over racing. This duality—creator and competitor—sets her apart from peers like Danica Patrick, who focused primarily on driving.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
Jessi Combs was more than a racer; she was a pioneer who redefined possibilities for women in motorsports. Her age, net worth, career, marriage, height, weight, and dating history paint a picture of a woman driven by passion and purpose. Her story continues to inspire, as evidenced by the ongoing engagement on her social media accounts and the 2022 documentary. For more on Jessi’s life, visit Wikipedia or follow her legacy on Instagram.
