MAILE HALE Becomes First Jessi Combs Foundation Rookie at King of the Hammers

January 27, 2026

• MAILE HALE just made history as the first-ever Jessi Combs Foundation sponsored rookie racer at King of the Hammers, proving that sometimes the best way to honor a legend is with success. The 18-year-old didn’t just show up—she logged over 100 hours of pre-running across the brutal rock course and desert loop, because apparently she believes in doing her homework before attempting to conquer one of racing’s most unforgiving events.
• Here’s what we love: when a wrist injury ended her martial arts competition career, HALE didn’t sulk—she redirected that second-degree black belt discipline straight into a Yamaha RMAX 1000. She’s not just driving; she’s TIG welding her own cage, rebuilding components, and studying marine biology on the side because why choose one impressive thing when you can do two? Her quote “I want to win King of the Hammers and I’m not afraid to say that” is exactly the energy we need more of.
• The real story here is how HALE embodies what Jessi Combs stood for—fearless progression and building your own path. She races with her father as co-driver, proving family support and individual ambition aren’t mutually exclusive. Her philosophy of “you become ready by doing” and preference for racing against winners because “that’s how you get better” shows she understands what separates champions from participants. We’re watching someone who could redefine what’s possible for the next generation of women in off-road racing.

jessi combs foundation, king of the hammers, off-road racing, yamaha rmax 1000