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Mary McGee, a pioneering figure in motorsports, has passed away at the age of 87. Her family confirmed her death in Gardnerville, Nevada, on Wednesday, just one day before the global release of a documentary chronicling her groundbreaking racing career. The documentary, Motorcycle Mary, premiered on ESPN’s YouTube channel on November 28, 2024. The film had its world debut earlier this year at the Tribeca Festival, and it was executive produced by seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton.
A Trailblazer in Motorsports
McGee's legacy in the world of motorsports spans both auto racing and motorcycle racing. She is best known for becoming the first person, male or female, to complete the grueling Baja 500 off-road race in Mexico, a feat she accomplished solo in 1975. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her skill, resilience, and determination in a sport that was largely dominated by men at the time.
Her family paid tribute to her in a heartfelt message on Facebook, saying, "Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism." They further noted that McGee was "a historic athlete and a motorsports pioneer," whose positive influence extended beyond racing. "She was a person who cared a lot about people around her while making their lives bright," they added. The family concluded with a touching sentiment: “While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.”
Early Life and Introduction to Racing
Mary McGee was born on December 12, 1936, in Juneau, Alaska. During the turbulent years of World War II, she and her brother Jim were sent to Iowa to stay with their grandparents. It was during this time that Jim developed an interest in race car driving and encouraged Mary to pursue the sport as well. This was a pivotal moment, as it led McGee to enter the world of motorsports, a field largely untouched by women at the time.
Motorcycle Mary Documentary: A Glimpse Into Her Legacy
The documentary Motorcycle Mary details McGee’s journey from her early days in auto racing to her later success in motorcycle racing, both on the track and across rugged terrains. Directed by Haley Watson, the film provides a rare look into McGee’s life and career, highlighting her achievements and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Produced by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, the film captures McGee’s groundbreaking accomplishments and her enduring impact on the world of motorsports. It is part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series and will be available for streaming on ESPN’s YouTube channel.
A Lasting Impact on Motorsports
Mary McGee’s contributions to the world of motorsports have left an indelible mark. As a trailblazer, she broke down barriers for future generations of women in racing. Her achievements, especially her solo completion of the Baja 500, cement her legacy as one of the sport's great pioneers.
While her passing is a loss to the racing community and beyond, McGee's legacy will live on through the stories of her resilience, determination, and the lives she touched along the way.
