Jessi Combs (photo courtesy of the Petersen Automotive Museum)

The Petersen Automotive Museum presents, “Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed,” a special tribute exhibit running from Sunday, Sept. 22, through Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the museum’s William E. Connor Penthouse.

The exhibit honors the life and accomplishments of Combs, known as the “Fastest Woman on Four Wheels,” who died on Aug. 7 while attempting to set a land speed record. Admission to the temporary exhibition is by donation with proceeds benefitting the Jessi Combs Foundation.

The “Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” exhibition will feature objects from Combs’ workshop and studio in Long Beach including motorcycles, personal notebooks and memorabilia, original Chip Foose drawings from her appearances on “Overhaulin’,” welding jackets and racing helmets, as well as her Baja and Great Race medals.

“Jessi Combs was an inspiration to the entire automotive community,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “This exhibit is an opportunity to move people, especially the future generation of women builders and enthusiasts, through Jessi’s incredible life story.”

Throughout her life, Combs explored the relationship between women and machines as a means to continually push and break stereotypical boundaries. As one of the few prominent female fabricators of her era, she created programs and spaces that encouraged education and dialog about the industrial arts for women.

“Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed” seeks to further that effort, establishing a base for the Jessi Combs Foundation to grow. The mission of the foundation is to educate, inspire and empower the next generation of female trailblazers.

“Jessi was the most amazing spirit that I have ever or will ever know,” said Terry Madden, Combs’ boyfriend. “Her appetite for living life on the edge and pursuing her dreams to the fullest is an inspiration to me and all who knew her. The Jessi Combs Foundation will motivate young women who looked up to Jessi, empowering them to uncover their inner confidence and abilities so they, too, can achieve their dreams.”

The Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit petersen.org/jessi.