Jessi Combs was more than just the Fastest Woman on Earth—she was a force of nature, a trailblazer, and an inspiration to everyone who crossed her path. In this conversation, Corey Osborne, co-host of The ModernJeeper Show and one of Jessi’s close friends, reflects on her legacy, her relentless passion, and the lasting impact she left on the world.
MJ: What was your experience at SEMA this year?
COREY: SEMA always carries a certain buzz, a palpable energy that fills the air the moment you step onto the show floor. But this year? This year felt different. There was still the spectacle, the noise, the sheer magnitude of the event—but something was missing.
It felt scattered, almost like the pieces didn’t quite fit the way they used to. Maybe it was the restricted media access, which made it harder to capture those quiet, pre-show moments before the crowds swarmed in. Maybe it was the fact that some of the industry giants were holding back, adapting to the shifts in the market. But whatever it was, it wasn't quite the same.
That said, there were still moments that reminded me why we all come back year after year. Watching the Hoonigan crew burn rubber, hearing the engines roar, feeling that surge of excitement as the crowd erupted—that was a glimpse of the SEMA magic I’ve always loved. It reminded me that, no matter how much things change, the automotive culture will always be a place where passion fuels everything.
How did you feel about the documentary on Jessi Combs?
Watching that documentary... man, it hit me hard.
It wasn’t just a film. It was her—her spirit, her fire, her unstoppable drive—brought to life on the screen. I knew Jessi. I knew her heart, her passion, her grit. But seeing it all laid out, from start to finish, was overwhelming. There were moments where I laughed, moments where I cried, moments where I just sat there, taking it all in.
They captured her essence perfectly—that relentless determination that pulled people in, that made them believe in her as much as she believed in herself. She wasn’t just about breaking records; she was about breaking barriers, about proving that dreams aren’t just meant to be chased—they’re meant to be caught.
It was beautiful, it was heartbreaking, and it was the kind of tribute she deserved.
What aspects of Jessi's childhood were surprising to you?
I thought I knew a lot about Jessi, but learning about her childhood gave me a whole new perspective on the person she became.
She had this fire in her from the very beginning. Her parents encouraged her to be fearless, to chase what made her heart race, to push boundaries even when it didn’t make sense to anyone else. That kind of support shapes a person, and in Jessi’s case, it fueled her drive to be more than just good—it pushed her to be great.
Hearing those stories about her as a kid, always drawn to speed and adventure, made so much sense. She wasn’t just born to race—she was born to defy expectations.
What was your favorite part of the documentary?
Oh, hands down, it was the moments where you saw her pure, unfiltered joy—especially when she was around motorcycles.
Jessi had this way of lighting up when she was doing what she loved. It was so real, so contagious. Watching those scenes where she was completely in her element, just smiling and fully alive, took me right back to the first time I met her. That passion? It wasn’t for show. That was who she was, through and through.
And then there were the scenes of her chasing the land speed record. The intensity, the raw emotion, the way she faced every challenge head-on... it was like reliving those moments all over again. The nerves, the excitement, the pressure—it was all there. And she handled it the way she handled everything: with courage, with heart, with absolutely no hesitation.
How did Jessi Combs exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship?
Jessi never took the easy road.
Most people would have played it safe—bought a house, settled into a steady job. Not Jessi. She bet on herself every single time. She didn’t just want to race—she wanted to live it, breathe it, make it her whole damn world. She once chose to rent a trophy truck instead of putting money toward a home. Who does that? Someone who’s all in.
But more than that, she had this magnetic ability to bring people together. That’s what true entrepreneurs do—they don’t just chase dreams; they ignite them in others. She built a network, a community, a movement. That’s what made her different.
What did you learn about her relationships with others?
Jessi was real. She had no ego, no pretense. If she connected with you, it was because she saw something in you—and she made sure you saw it, too.
She had a way of lifting people up, making them believe they could do more, be more. She wasn’t just a racer; she was a mentor, a friend, a force of nature. She didn’t just compete; she inspired.
She wasn’t in this world to just make a name for herself. She was here to make a difference—and damn, did she ever.
Why is Jessi's induction into the Hall of Fame important?
Jessi’s induction isn’t just an honor—it’s a statement.
It’s recognition of everything she stood for—the barriers she broke, the lives she changed, the example she set. She wasn’t just “one of the best female racers.” She was one of the best, period.
And more than that, it’s a message to every little girl who looks up at that wall of honorees and sees her name: "You can do this, too."
How did the documentary portray the challenges Jessi faced?
They didn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s what made it so powerful.
Jessi faced obstacles—big ones. The pressure, the setbacks, the doubts—she carried all of that. But she never let it stop her. She took every challenge and turned it into fuel.
The documentary showed the real Jessi. The one who fought like hell for every win. The one who didn’t always get it right but never stopped trying. That’s the Jessi I knew. That’s the Jessi the world needed to see.
What do you think her legacy will be?
Jessi’s legacy is fearlessness.
She proved that limits are meant to be shattered. That dreams aren’t just for men or women—they’re for anyone brave enough to chase them down.
Her story will keep inspiring people long after we’re all gone. She showed the world what’s possible when you refuse to let fear hold you back. That’s a legacy that’ll never fade.
What final thoughts do you have about Jessi Combs?
Jessi wasn’t just a racer. She was a light. A trailblazer. A friend.
Her life wasn’t about just going fast—it was about going forward, no matter what stood in her way.
I miss her. We all do. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this—her story isn’t over. It’s still being written, in every woman who picks up a wrench, every racer who refuses to back down, every dreamer who dares to go full throttle.
That’s Jessi’s legacy. And that’s something no record, no finish line, no crash can ever take away.
