Jessi Combs

Jessi Combs: South Dakota’s “Go For It Girl” and Fastest Woman on Earth

Born in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Jessi Combs carried her home state’s spirit of resilience, adventure, and determination with her wherever she went. From a young age, she had a passion for speed and machines, which fueled her lifelong journey in motorsports and made her a beloved figure in the automotive and racing worlds.

Jessi’s career began at WyoTech, where she earned a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication. Her talent and drive quickly caught the attention of the television world, leading to featured roles on shows like Overhaulin’, Extreme 4x4, and Mythbusters. Jessi was more than just a TV personality—she was an accomplished racer and fabricator. She earned a spot atop the podium at the legendary Baja 1000 race in her class and made history by becoming the first woman to place at the grueling King of Hammers Ultra4 event, where she went on to win the national championship in her class.

Jessi’s passion for empowering women extended beyond racing. She was a fierce advocate for women in motorsports and the trades, often speaking about the importance of representation and equality in traditionally male-dominated fields. To further this cause, Jessi partnered with Lincoln Electric to create her own line of protective clothing designed specifically for women. For five years, she served as the spokesperson for the American Welding Society, using her platform to educate and inspire others, particularly young women, to pursue careers in the trades.

Never content to limit herself to one discipline, Jessi broke new ground as the first woman to compete in “The Race of Gentlemen,” driving a 1913 Model T. She also turned her sights toward the ultimate test of speed—land speed racing. For six years, Jessi raced the American Eagle, a jet-powered land speed car, in a quest to break the long-standing record of the Fastest Woman on Earth. In 2019, she achieved that goal, reaching a staggering speed of 522.73 miles per hour, surpassing the record set by Kitty O’Neil 40 years earlier. Tragically, Jessi lost her life during her final run, but her legacy of courage, passion, and breaking barriers remains indelible.

Jessi’s vision of empowering others, especially women, lives on through the Jessi Combs Foundation. The foundation continues her mission of education, inspiration, and support for women pursuing careers in the trades and motorsports—values she held dear and exemplified throughout her life.

In 2017, Jessi made history again as the first female Grand Marshal of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where she hosted the 77th annual event. She also shared her love for motorcycles and storytelling with the world through her children’s book, Joey and the Chopper Boys, published in 2015. The book tells the story of a little girl who rides motorcycles, reflecting Jessi’s own life and her determination to break the mold.

Jessi’s talents extended to leatherwork, photography, and custom vehicle building in her own shop. Her creative spirit and relentless drive were matched only by her infectious energy and willingness to take risks in pursuit of her dreams. Known around the world as the “Go For It Girl,” Jessi was an icon of empowerment and adventure, always pushing boundaries and encouraging others to do the same.

One of her most poignant quotes encapsulates her spirit: “I ask that all of you celebrate my life and everything I stand for. I ask that you do everything in your power to share my mission, what I put my entire life on the line for. To reveal to this world what you are capable of, by showing the confidence and abilities you already possess.”

Jessi Combs may no longer be with us, but her legacy—both as the Fastest Woman on Earth and as an advocate for women in motorsports and the trades—will continue to inspire for generations to come.

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