The world’s fastest woman on four wheels, automotive superstar, and CRC Industries ambassador American Jessi Combs of South Dakota, will be in New Zealand for the first time next month to front CRC Speedshow’s Women in Motorsport display.
In 2013, Combs drove the land speed record car North American Eagle, to a top speed of 708km/h on the dry lakebed in Alvord Desert, Oregon, breaking the previous record set in 1965.
The North American Eagle car broke the 50-year-old record with Combs behind the wheel with a 45,000 horsepower engine, but Combs can’t get to New Zealand quickly enough.
“My whole life I’ve heard and read great things about New Zealand, and have only dreamed of travelling there. I am beyond grateful that my relationship with CRC helps make those dreams come true. It’s wonderful to be involved in an event that highlights a huge part of my personal mission to encourage women into motorsports,” she says.
“It is always empowering to be surrounded by other women who are the ‘real deal’ – those who are out there building their own cars and bikes, getting behind the wheel, and making a name for themselves in the industry.”
With her degree in custom automotive fabrication, she’s inspired millions with her creative and practical skills on TV shows such as All Girls Garage, Mythbusters and Overhaulin’. Other career highlights include an award winning experiential television series, “The List: 1001 Car Things to do Before You Die” and becoming an international CRC Industries ambassador, which has made her trip to New Zealand possible.
Combs is also an Ultra4 national champion, taking the Queen of the Hammers title in one of the toughest off-road races in the world, and is also a Baja 1000 podium finisher, making her the ultimate international visitor to 2015’s biggest motor sport event in New Zealand, says Ross Prevette, managing director of CRC Speedshow.
“To have an international guest of Jessi’s calibre at the show is a huge honour, so thanks to CRC New Zealand who made it possible. Her long list of impressive achievements speak for themselves, and the timing is perfect with our Women in Motorsport display.
“By being at the CRC Speedshow I’m sure Jessi will inspire motoring professionals, and perhaps many others who hadn’t seriously considered motor sport as a career.”
Because of her world-class fabrication experience, Combs will also feature as a guest judge for the Teng Tools Grand National Rod and Custom Show, featuring nearly 50 of New Zealand’s best custom vehicles.
She has worked with the likes of Bryan Fuller, Troy Trepanier and Overhaulin’s Chip Foose, plus has built multiple show cars, trucks and motorcycles from the ground up, many of them for the internationally acclaimed Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show, so has an eye for top quality custom work.
“With her priceless amount of knowledge in the custom car field, she will be a welcome addition to our panel of expert judges for the Teng Tools Grand National Rod and Custom Show. Our entrants now have a rare opportunity to impress one of the world’s best,” says Prevette.
Show visitors will be able to catch Combs at CRC New Zealand signing sessions on July 18 and 19, in the Teng Tools Grand National Rod and Custom Show Hall and watch her compete against Australasia’s best racing talent in the Right Karts Celebrity Charity Kart Challenge on Saturday July 18.
