Remembering ‘Motorcycle Mary’: A Trailblazer in Motorsports
GARDNERVILLE, Nev. — The motorsports world is mourning the loss of a true pioneer. Mary McGee, affectionately known as “Motorcycle Mary,” has passed away at the age of 87. Her family confirmed the news, sharing that McGee died peacefully at her home in Nevada on Wednesday. While details surrounding her passing remain private, the legacy she leaves behind is anything but.
McGee’s life and career were nothing short of extraordinary. A trailblazer in every sense of the word, she shattered gender norms and paved the way for women in motorsports. Her family released a heartfelt statement, saying, “McGee’s unparalleled achievements in off-road racing and motorcycle racing have inspired generations of athletes that followed in her footsteps.”
Her story is now immortalized in the short documentary “Motorcycle Mary”, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June and was released on ESPN’s YouTube channel this past Thursday. The film, directed by Haley Watson, was executive produced by two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot and seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who broke barriers and inspired countless others to chase their dreams.
A Life of Firsts
Born in Juneau, Alaska, during World War II, McGee’s journey to motorsports greatness was anything but conventional. After being sent to Iowa to live with her grandparents, she grew up alongside her older brother, who became a race car driver. It was her brother who encouraged her to take up racing, a bold suggestion at a time when women were rarely seen in the sport.
McGee’s career began in auto racing, where she quickly made a name for herself. Racing team owner Vasek Polak saw her potential and persuaded her to drive a Porsche Spyder. She didn’t just compete—she won. But Polak wasn’t done pushing her limits. He encouraged her to try motorcycle racing, and once again, McGee excelled.
Her list of accomplishments is staggering:
- First woman to race motocross in the United States.
- First to compete in an international motocross competition.
- First person, man or woman, to complete the grueling Baja 500 off-road race solo in 1975.
- First woman to receive sponsorships from major brands in motorsports.
McGee’s influence extended far beyond her racing accolades. She was a mentor to countless women in the sport, always willing to share her knowledge and encourage others to follow in her footsteps. Her contributions to motorsports were recognized in 2018 when she was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
A Legacy That Lives On
McGee’s impact wasn’t just felt on the track. She was known for her resilience, grace, and optimism, qualities that endeared her to everyone she met. Her family captured this beautifully in their social media tribute: “She was a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others, and made time to brighten the lives of those around her. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”
Tributes have poured in from across the motorsports community. Lewis Hamilton, who served as an executive producer on “Motorcycle Mary,” shared his thoughts on Instagram, writing, “I’m deeply saddened to hear that Mary McGee, the first woman to road race motorcycles in the U.S. and the first person to solo the Baja 500, has passed on. My condolences to her family and everyone who she’s inspired. Her legacy will live on as a trailblazer in the world of motorsports and beyond.”
Director Haley Watson also expressed her sorrow, saying, “I’m deeply saddened by this news, but I am comforted to know that Mary was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her passing. In early 2022, I was researching stories when I came across Mary’s. That discovery marked the tipping point into uncovering a much larger and truly incredible career in motorsports and life journey.”
From Steve McQueen to the Baja 500
McGee’s career was filled with iconic moments, including a nudge from Hollywood legend and racing enthusiast Steve McQueen. It was McQueen who persuaded her to take on the Baja 500, a grueling off-road race in Mexico. True to form, McGee didn’t just participate—she made history as the first person to complete the race solo.
Her achievements in motorsports were groundbreaking, but her influence extended far beyond the track. McGee was a role model, a mentor, and a pioneer who proved that women could compete—and win—at the highest levels of racing.
As the motorsports world says goodbye to “Motorcycle Mary,” her legacy continues to inspire. Whether through the documentary that bears her name or the countless lives she touched, Mary McGee’s story is one of courage, determination, and breaking barriers. She may be gone, but her light will shine on for generations to come.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
