Jessi Combs Biography

(American Professional Racer, Television Personality, and Metal Fabricator)

Birthday: July 27, 1980 (Leo)

Born In: Rockerville, South Dakota, United States

Jessi Combs had more than one job description to her name! She was most famous as a television show host and was equally well-known as a metal fabricator. She was also a popular brand representative. Jessi rose to fame as a co-host of the popular television show ‘Xtreme 4x4’ which she hosted from 2005 to 2008. Together with Ian Johnson, she co-anchored more than 90 episodes. Other popular television shows featuring her include ‘All Girls Garage’, ‘Mythbusters’, ‘1001 Car Things to do Before You Die’, and ‘How to Build...Everything’. Jessi is a brand representative of several companies like Bosch, Dodge, Nissan, Mobil 1, XX Chromes All Women’s Bike, and Lincoln Electric among many others. Her expertise as a metal fabricator was well known. After acquiring a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication from WyoTech, she participated in Las Vegas SEMA show. She owned a fabrication shop in California. Jessi Combs first love was fast cars. She was a trained racer as well and excelled in performance racing, stunt driving, evasive driving, and drifting. In 2013, she set a world record as the fastest woman on 4-wheels, reaching a speed of 440 mph. Unfortunately, she died in a high speed crash while attempting to set a new land speed record.
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Quick Facts

Also Known As: Jessica Combs

Died At Age: 39

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Ian Johnson

Born Country: United States

Race Car Drivers American Women

Died on: August 27, 2019

place of death: Alvord Desert, Oregon, United States

U.S. State: South Dakota

Cause of Death: Road Incident

  • 1

    Where did Jessi Combs grow up?

    Jessi Combs grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota.
  • 2

    What was Jessi Combs known for in the automotive industry?

    Jessi Combs was known for her expertise as a skilled metal fabricator and welder.
  • 3

    Did Jessi Combs hold any land speed records?

    Yes, Jessi Combs held the women's land speed record with a top speed of 398 mph.
  • 4

    What tragic event led to Jessi Combs' untimely death?

    Jessi Combs passed away in a jet car crash while attempting to break her own land speed record.
The Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Jessi Combs had shown a strong inclination for cars and racing from a tender age. She also had a knack for playing around with metal pieces and creating new stuffs with them. After turning down a scholarship offer for an interior designing class, she moved to Laramie in Wyoming to attend WyoTech. In 2004, she completed her degree program in Custom Automotive Fabrication and stood first in her class. This honour helped her in getting her first job with Speciality Equipment Marketing Association where she was assigned to build a car in six months. From there she was appointed by Spike Television to co-host their ‘Xtreme 4x4’ show with Ian Johnson. She presented over 90 episodes of this show between 2005 and 2008.
As a popular television show host, Jessi was selected a brand representative for multiple companies due to her rising fame. Notable among these are Lincoln Electric (manufacturer of welding products), Warn Industries (makers of vehicle recovery equipments), Raw Deal (an organization empowering women about industrial and automotive processes), Industrial Metal Supply Company, WyoTech, Dake, and Raceline Wheels. Perhaps the most outstanding aspect of her career is her success as a racing car driver. Her first success came in 2011 when she stood 2nd in Class 10 of SCORE Baja 1000 competition. From then till 2016, she participated in 11 races and ranked 1st on six occasions. Her greatest achievement came in 2013 when she became the fastest woman on 4-wheels, reaching a speed of 440 mph. In 2016, at the Ultra 4 King of the Hammers, she once again stood 1st in EMC Modified Class.
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Family & Personal Life
Jessi Combs was born in Rapid City in South Dakota on 27 July 1980. From a very early age she showed a strong liking for cars and machines. She showed special interest in creating things with metal pieces, photography, and leather craft. Efforts taken by her parents to encourage her to study interior decoration became futile as she turned down a scholarship offer. She shifted to Wyoming, and completed a degree programme at WyoTech in Laramie in 2004. She studied Street Rod Fabrication, Chassis Fabrication, Collision and Refinishing, and Trim & Upholstery. She topped her class in Custom Automotive Fabrication. During her stint with 'Xtreme 4x4', she got married to her co-host Ian Johnson. They later separated as Jessi was rumoured to be bisexual. Thereafter, she was in a relationship with Chris Jacob, host of the television show ‘Overhaulin’ aired on Discovery Channel.
Death
Jessi Combs died on August 27, 2019, in a high-speed crash in Alvord Desert in south-east Oregon, while trying to set a new land-speed record.
Facts About Jessi Combs
She was a skilled metal fabricator and welder, showcasing her talents on various TV shows like "Mythbusters" and "All Girls Garage."
In addition to her passion for racing and building cars, Jessi was also an advocate for encouraging young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
She was a talented artist and designer, creating custom motorcycle and car builds that showcased her unique style and creativity.
Jessi Combs was a strong advocate for women's empowerment and equality in the automotive industry, inspiring many with her fearless attitude and determination.

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