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Mary McGee, a pioneering figure in the world of motorsports, has passed away at the age of 87. Her family confirmed her death through a heartfelt Facebook post, writing : "Mary embodied resilience, grace and optimism. "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." Mary McGee's journey began in the humblest of settings. Born in 1936, she and her older brother were sent to Iowa to live with their grandparents.
Her brother, a race car driver himself, encouraged McGee to take up the sport, an unusual path for women at the time. Her early years saw her competing in sports car racing, beginning in December 1957 with the Sports Car Club of America. She quickly found success in a number of different vehicles, including the Ferrari Testa Rossa and Ferrari Berlinetta, leaving a mark in a predominantly male sport.
It was in 1960 that McGee made a transition that would define her legacy: embracing motorcycle racing. Persuaded by racing team owner Vasek Polak, McGee became the first woman to compete in motorcycle road racing and motocross events in the United States. Her historic milestones in the sport included being the first person, regardless of gender, to complete the Baja 500 off-road race solo in 1975, a feat that involved navigating harsh conditions across the Mexican desert.
Her story has been told in the ESPN short film "Motorcycle Mary," directed by Haley Watson, which explored her incredible journey and lasting influence on the sport. The documentary, which premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Festival, went on to receive an Oscar nomination. Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton also featured as an executive producer for the short film.
Throughout her career, accolades for McGee's groundbreaking role piled up. In 2018, she was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Her pioneering spirit also earned her the title of an FIM Legend in 2012, along with an induction into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2023.
These honors stand as reminders of her unwavering influence in opening doors for future generations of racers, especially women. Tributes have been flooding the motorsport community since McGee's passing. "The great Mary McGee died on Nov.
27. She was 87. "Mary was the first person to solo the Baja 500.
She's the subject of ESPN's recently-released doc 'Motorcycle Mary'" The great Mary McGee died on Nov. 27. She was 87.
Mary was the first person to solo the Baja 500. She's the subject of ESPN's recently-released doc "Motorcycle Mary" pic.twitter.
com/ag9zxNx6x9 "RIP Mary. Absolute legend." RIP Mary.
Absolute legend "Wow, the timing, with the film. Her work is done. Her message, women can do it too and have a whole lot of fun doing it.
What an amazing lady. " Wow, the timing, with the film. Her work is done.
Her message, women can do it too and have a whole lot of fun doing it. What an amazing lady. 💖🙏.
