World's Fastest Woman On Four Wheels Dead - God Speed, Jessi!

Source: https://jalopnik.com/fastest-woman-on-four-wheels-jessi-combs-killed-in-jet-1837654356

Spoiler: Full Article Here

Yesterday, while attempting to beat her own land speed record, the 52,000 horsepower jet-powered car driven by racer, fabricator, and television personality Jessi Combs crashed in the Alvord Desert in Oregon, killing her, as local news reports. Combs was 39 years old and held the title of “fastest woman on four wheels” after breaking 398 mph in that same North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger in 2013.
Combs was attempting to beat her previous record, and had attempted it as recently as last year, when she managed a 483.227 mph shakedown run before mechanical problems ended the attempt, as noted on the team’s bio page for Jessi.
Just a few days ago, Combs tweeted a picture of her and the jet car as they prepared for this most recent speed record attempt:

Combs’ death was confirmed this morning on Instagram by Terry Madden, a member of Combs’ team:

(Link to video Madden's video here, very moving - - https://www.instagram.com/p/B1tUB2lHGKX/)

Combs was a lot more than a very, very fast person; she was a skilled builder and fabricator, representing the American Welding Society, and even designing a line of women’s welding gear:

Combs was on television frequently, appearing on Overhaulin’, All Girls Garage, and even served as a host of Mythbusters.

Photo: Jessi Combs Facebook Page

Combs was an accomplished off-road racer as well, competing in the Baja 1000 and was the first woman to place at a King of Hammers event; in 2016 she had a 1st-place finish at the King of Hammers, earning her the nickname “Queen of Hammers.”
Combs was an impressive force in racing and motoring regardless of gender; but as a woman everything she achieved she did so despite the resistance of what is still a male-dominated world, and provided a valuable role model for other women in motorsport and hands-on automotive work.
UPDATE: Jessi’s family has issued a statement:

It is with extreme grief, and in celebration of her life that her family and close friends share that race car driver, and TV personality Jessi Combs, passed away in a fatal crash, where she was pursuing a land speed record in the North American Eagle on August, 27th 2019 on a dry lake bed in Oregon. The details of the crash have not been released at this time.
Jessi was known for her bright smile, positivity, and tenacious pursuit of the fulfillment of her dreams. Her drive was infectious, and she served as a role model for young Girls, and Women around the world. People that loved her and followed her became family, all bonded together by adventure and passion. Her fans adored her, and she lived to inspire them. Jessi’s most notable dream was to become the fastest woman on Earth, a dream she had been chasing since 2012. Combs was one of the rare dreamers with the bravery to turn those possibilities into reality, and she left this earth driving faster than any other woman in history.
Surrounded by her family and friends at the time of her passing, Jessi lived fearlessly and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.
Jessi is known for her hosting work on television series including “All Girls Garage”, “Overhaulin’ “, Extreme 4x4 and Autoblog’s “The List”.
Jessi is survived by her Mother Nina (Chuck, niece NIna Alayne) Darrington, Father Jamie (Sandy) Combs, brother Kelly Combs (Cary, Eli, Ethan and Anna), sisters Danielle Theis (Jacin, Justice, Nation), Brother Austin Darrington (Leah, Lane) Kayla Green, Kyrie Darrington, Natasha Darrington
Step sisters Rebekah Hall (son Aaren Kearns), Arielle Hall (son Dru Hanson). And Jessi‘s love Terry Madden and his son Dalton.
A celebration of Jessi’s life in being planned and a foundation is being created to continue her efforts to empower women and young girls to follow their dreams.

This woman had balls bigger than most men. This is what "feminism" should look like. RIP, Jessi

 

[the real heisenberg]

She died trying to beat her own record? Girl chill.

 

[Mexican_Wizard_711]

Damn, I almost read that article as the "Fattest Woman On Four Wheels Dies"

 

[Vic Viper T301]

I remember her from Mythbusters. Were ladies at least trying to beat her 2013 record or did she die figuratively from lack of competition?

 

[The Man With No Name]

I like to go fast, too. She seems based. RIP.

 

[Slappy McGherkin]

She died trying to beat her own record? Girl chill.

Yeah, pretty ballsy. Her record was 398 mph. She had a shakedown run of over 483 mph, which would have absolutely smashed the old record. Not uncommon for go fasters to keep raising the bar, even on themselves.

 

[Sped Xing]

Did she not know she could just take a plane

 

[Clop]

I bet she died of boredom.

F

EDIT: Just to make sure you fucks get the joke, I'm saying 400mph wasn't fast enough for this badass. What the fuck's with the 'dumb' ratings when every other comment is about her being a badass?

 

[RealtreeByGod]

Women drivers, mirite guys?

 

[EasyPeasy]

Women should know their limits and just stick to all things cutesy and leave the driving to us men.

 

[Midlife Sperglord]

She died doing what she loved, and it is safe to assume she understood the risks involved. She has my respect.

 

[Offen Ded Tardreee]

Damn, I almost read that article as the "Fattest Woman On Four Wheels Dies"

Thank God I wasn’t the only one

 

[Judge Holden]

Also its kinda sad that despite flicking through a bunch of news sources and social media today, the only people I have seen taking note of this and commemorating her achievements and the fact she was a trailblazer for women in a traditionally non-wammen work area has been the kiwifarms nigger parade.

 

[Ahriman]

F Jessi, she was one hell of a chick. And she didn't have to parade herself naked yelling profanities to prove it, she had earned the respect of many through hard work and talent.

 

[kcbbq]

Jalopnik can't into math. She was 36.

Oh, yeah, they're Gawker.

F Jessi, she was one hell of a chick. And she didn't have to parade herself naked yelling profanities to prove it, she had earned the respect of many through hard work and talent.

She had balls the size of battleships. She was pretty amazing, a total badass. Jet powered cars go so scarily wrong so often. RIP.

 

[Maskull]

Went out in about the coolest way you can while trying to uphold her legacy. I dig it. Ripperoni in pizza.

 

[Slappy McGherkin]

https://youtube.com/watch?v=-bOKsOveYD0
Also its kinda sad that despite flicking through a bunch of news sources and social media today, the only people I have seen taking note of this and commemorating her achievements and the fact she was a trailblazer for women in a traditionally non-wammen work area has been the kiwifarms nigger parade.

Sometimes, we get it right, despite the prevailing autistic winds. Any woman that would strap a rocket to her ass just to see how fast she could make it go has my undying respect. But, you are correct that it's pretty much a "non-story" everywhere in the media. I suppose she didn't fit the stereotype whining, always oppressed by men, media feminist agenda. And that's truly a shame because these are great women. I had the opportunity to meet Shirley Muldowney many years ago when she was still racing. Beautiful down-to-earth woman and a true barrier breaker. She was the first woman licensed by the NHRA to drive a top fuel dragster and won over 18 NHRA Title events. Even a bad wreck didn't stop her.

So, seeing this about Jessi today was saddening for me. Yes, she knew the risks and willingly took them. But, my heart isn't heavy because she went doing what she loved to do. We should all be so lucky.

Spoiler: Shirley back in the day

 

[kcbbq]

Went out in about the coolest way you can while trying to uphold her legacy. I dig it. Ripperoni in pizza.

Ramming your way through the Pearly Gates in a 52,000hp car at almost 500mph is making an entrance.

Sometimes, we get it right, despite the prevailing autistic winds. Any woman that would strap a rocket to her ass just to see how fast she could make it go has my undying respect. But, you are correct that it's pretty much a "non-story" everywhere in the media.

Foxnews.com has the story on the main page, at least, and they cared enough to get her age right. She's got enough notoriety because of Mythbusters so she'll get her due, I think.

 

[Maskull]

Ramming your way through the Pearly Gates in a 52,000hp car at almost 500mph is making an entrance.


Foxnews.com has the story on the main page, at least, and they cared enough to get her age right. She's got enough notoriety because of Mythbusters so she'll get her due, I think.

Heaven's gate's rather stout. Imagine she mashed flat second time. Saint Pete, get the spatula.

 

[MediocreMilt]

Crashing at over 400mph? Yipe. Bet it was an awful corpse.

RIP

 

[RomanesEuntDomus]

It's sad that she died trying to break her own record. The only consolation is knowing:
When you achieve a new record, you are a hero, when you die trying, you are a legend.

It's sad that truly inspiring people such as this woman don't get the attention of the media to the degree that they deserve, but she and her life will make an impact on all those that are not preoccupied with fawning over their imaginary, infinite victim status.