They say you shouldn’t mix business with family, but for Morgantown native and West Virginia University junior Chloe Coombs, that rule never applied.

Her family’s been doing business since the 1970s, when Coombs's grandfather, Dave Coombs, convinced a farmer in Bruceton Mills to let him use his land to organize motocross races. That's how Racer Productions was born.

“My grandpa also created the Blackwater 100, which was the start of the GNCC woods racing series,” Coombs said. “It used to be held annually in Davis, and my grandpa considered it his masterpiece.”

Fast-forward 50 years. The Morgantown-based company has grown exponentially, and is known for hosting premier cross-country, outdoor and stadium events. It also runs Racer X, a global publication for motocross and supercross news, videos, features, photos and merchandise.

The operation is managed by three generations of the Coombs family, and Chloe is determined to carry on the family's legacy while forging her own path in business.

“Working closely with my family has its ups and downs,” Coombs said. "We all look out for each other and it's nice to know that you have a huge support system in your career. My family has always been my business partners, so business and family relationships are intertwined for us – but at the end of the day, family always comes first.”

Coombs strives to help them succeed whenever she can, and that’s what led her to the John Chambers College of Business and Economics.

“I chose General Business as my major in order to have a well-rounded education in business, and I think this course of study will help me to be a successful leader in our company,” Coombs said. “My older brother and I see a lot of room for internal growth and want Racer to create more opportunity within the business.”

Coombs credits the Chambers College with helping her develop the skills and knowledge needed for her future role. 

“One of the most important classes I’ve had was business communications, taught by Professor Ryan Noon,” Coombs said. “At work, I send out emails to help individual customers and share mass events and industry announcements, and the things I learned in his class have been so helpful. He also taught us how to speak publicly and how to carry ourselves when we meet people – all things I need to know for my future career.” 

Working in the motocross industry, however, requires a unique point of view. It’s not enough to have both hands on a keyboard. You need to have one on the throttle, too. 

That’s why Coombs is undertaking a personal challenge: competing in her first motocross race. 

“I grew up riding dirt bikes, but I personally have never raced,” Coombs said. “Most people learn or start racing when they are very young, but I am 21 years old now attempting to race for the first time.”

Wherever she places, West Virginia wins. Dirt bike and ATV riding is becoming increasingly popular throughout the Mountain State, with the Hatfield-McCoy Trails driving eight-figure regional profits and Kanawha County opening a 30-mile trail in 2024. 

Coombs wants to build more than her family business: she wants to build motocross’s presence in West Virginia. 

“I want to bring more and bigger motocross events to West Virginia to expand the economy and grow the state,” Coombs said. “My drive stems from a love for the sport itself and the company. I'm very fortunate to be born into something so cool. This company has given me so much, and I want to continue the legacy my grandpa left behind – a legacy of determination, passion and sportsmanship.”

She can’t do it alone, though. That’s where the Chambers College comes in. The skills she’s learning in her coursework will equip her to both preserve and grow her family’s legacy.

“The Chambers College offers the foundation you need for leadership. My focus on business has been particularly important, as it helped meet a need within our family business," Coombs said.

As Racer Productions and MX Sports continue to grow, Coombs is determined to grow with them, expanding opportunities in West Virginia while staying rooted in her grandfather’s mission and values.

“I never got to meet my grandpa personally, but he left behind big shoes to fill,” Coombs said. “I just hope to make my family proud by being a good leader and helping to build the next generation of dirt bike racing."