Mary McGee, a female pioneer in the world of motor racing, died at the age of 87 on Wednesday.
McGee, who starred in Formula One star Lewis Hamilton’s short film ‘Motorcyle Mary’ in June, passed away in Gardernville, Nevada, her family confirmed. The cause of death was not disclosed.
The racing legend was the first woman to race the Baja 1000, and the only woman to finish the Baja 500 solo.
‘Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism,’ McGee’s family wrote on Facebook. ‘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.
‘We would like to take a moment to extend a thank you to the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members that made Mary’s transition peaceful. She particularly enjoyed the last few months meeting those who learned her story through the documentary, Motorcycle Mary.’
Mary McGee, a female pioneer in the world of motor racing, died at the age of 87 on Wednesday
The racing legend is pictured with seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton in June
McGee endeared herself to fans of Formula One just earlier this year when she guest starred on one of Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle’s infamous grid walks.
The heartwarming interview with the former F1 driver at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal won over the hearts of new generations of racing fans.
‘I first started racing cars in 1957 and then I switched to motorcycles in 1960 and I quit in 2012,’ she told Brundle, who knelt down to ask her if it was her first experience of an F1 grid, to which she replied: ‘I love Formula 1 racing. I was at Riverside [in California] many years ago for the first F1 race, met [double champion] Jimmy Clark for God’s sake!’
Brundle paid tribute to her Thursday following the news of her death, revealing he had been due to speak to her again at the United States Grand Prix but her declining health ultimately didn’t make it possible.
‘This is very sad, spoke to her on the grid in Montreal and was due to make a feature with Mary in Austin but she wasn’t well. Truly remarkable lady, there is a documentary being released anytime about her life,’ he shared on social media.
McGee’s history with motorsports dates back to 1957 when she began racing cars before switching to motorcycles in 1960.
Her career spanned over five decades before ending in 2012 when she last raced at the age of 75. She was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018.
Her rich history with motorsports was captured by Hamilton in his short film, ‘Motorcyle Mary,’ which held its world premier at the Tribeca Festival in June.
Her rich history with motorsports was captured by Hamilton in his short film, ‘Motorcyle Mary’
The American racer began racing cars in 1957 before switching to motorcycles in 1960
McGee was the first woman to race the Baja 1000, and the only woman to finish the Baja 500 solo
The ESPN 30 for 30 film documents McGee triumphant journey in racing, first in auto racing and later motorcycle racing on the track and in the open country.
The documentary, which is directed by Haley Watson and executive produced by F1 champion Hamilton and two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, is set to air on November 3 at 2pm ET on ESPN2.
‘Racing was never just about competition for me—it was about freedom, courage, and pushing myself beyond limits,’ McGee said as the documentary about her was released.
‘I’m proud to share my journey in Motorcycle Mary. I hope my story inspires women and shows that with determination, anyone can carve their own path, no matter the odds.’
Born in Juneau, Alaska on December 12, 1936, McGee and her brother Jim Connor were sent to live in Iowa to live with their grandparents during World War II.
She was later encouraged by Jim to take up motorsports after he became a race car driver – even though it was unprecedented for a woman to compete in the sport – and the rest was history.
McGee initially raced in a Mercedes 300SL under the Sports Car Club of America before being thrust into the world of motorcycle road racing after being encouraged by race-car legend Vasek Polak, who had noticed her potential.
The move saw McGee secure her FIM license, making her the first American woman to do so.
Capped in an iconic [ink polka-dot helmet, McGee left her mark on the sport, later being encouraged to switch to desert racing by Hollywood icon Steve McQueen.
