Mary McGee, a name synonymous with breaking barriers and challenging norms in motorsports, has passed away at the age of 87. As a true Pioneer Motorcycle racer, McGee’s impact resonates deeply within the world of motorsports and beyond, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions regardless of societal constraints. Her family announced that she died on Wednesday at her home in Gardnerville, Nevada, due to complications from a stroke, marking the end of an era for a remarkable woman who defied expectations and carved her own path in a male-dominated arena.
McGee’s journey, recently highlighted in the short documentary “Motorcycle Mary,” executive produced by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, is a testament to her unwavering spirit and exceptional talent. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June and was released on ESPN’s YouTube channel, offers an intimate glimpse into the life of this motorsports pioneer. Her family eloquently stated, “McGee’s unparalleled achievements in off-road racing and motorcycle racing have inspired generations of athletes that followed in her footsteps,” encapsulating her lasting influence.
While McGee’s career spanned both auto racing and motorcycle racing, it was her achievements on two wheels that truly cemented her legacy as a pioneer motorcycle icon. In 1975, she etched her name in history by becoming the first person, male or female, to solo complete the grueling Baja 500 off-road race in Mexico. This incredible feat of endurance and skill underscored her tenacity and cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with in the demanding world of off-road racing.
Haley Watson, the director of “Motorcycle Mary,” expressed her deep sadness at McGee’s passing, noting that discovering McGee’s story in early 2022 unveiled “a much larger and truly incredible career in motorsports and life journey.” Hamilton also paid tribute, acknowledging McGee’s groundbreaking achievements. “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,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram, recognizing her as “a trailblazer in the world of motorsports and beyond.”
Born in Alaska and raised in Iowa, McGee’s foray into racing was initially inspired by her brother, a race car driver. Despite the prevailing societal norms that discouraged women from participating in motorsports, McGee’s determination propelled her forward. Initially persuaded by racing team owner Vasek Polak to drive a Porsche Spyder, she quickly found success in auto racing. However, her passion soon shifted to motorcycles, where she truly made her mark as a pioneer motorcycle racer. It was Steve McQueen, the renowned actor and racing enthusiast, who encouraged her to tackle the Baja 500, a challenge she conquered with characteristic grit and determination.
McGee’s list of firsts is extensive and impressive. She was the first woman to race motocross in the United States, the first to compete in an international motocross competition, and a recipient of sponsorships from major brands in a time when female athletes were largely overlooked. Her influence extended beyond her own accomplishments; she was a mentor and inspiration to countless women aspiring to enter the world of motorsports, paving the way for future generations of female racers. Her contributions were formally recognized with her induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018, a fitting tribute to her extraordinary career as a pioneer motorcycle racer and a true icon in motorsports history. Mary McGee’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, continuing to inspire and empower those who dare to break barriers and pursue their dreams with unwavering passion and courage.
