Driver, fabricator, TV personality, pioneer

On August 27, 2019, the South Dakota native became the fastest woman on Earth, averaging 522.783 mph in Oregon’s Alford Desert. That beat the previous record, set in 1976 by Kitty O’Neil in a three-wheel jet car, by just over 10 mph. Sadly, Combs perished during her return run. Earlier, Combs had been named “the fastest woman on four wheels” thanks to a 398 mph run in 2013. She was more than a record-setter. A skilled welder and fabricator, she also excelled in off-road racing, taking several class wins in the Ultra 4 King of the Hammers, and an Ultra 4 National Championship (2014). Combs also placed second in class at the SCORE Baja 1000 in 2011 and 2015. Combs was perhaps best-known hosting shows like SpikeTV’s Xtreme 4x4, MythBusters, Overhaulin’ and All Girls Garage. In an Instagram post just before she died, Combs wrote, "It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire... those who are willing are those who achieve great things.”