Mary McGee, a trailblazing figure in motorsports, has passed away at 87, leaving behind an enduring legacy that shattered gender barriers and inspired generations.
McGee was the first person to solo the Baja 500 on a motorcycle in 1972, cementing her status as a legend in the male-dominated world of off-road racing. But her journey began long before that.
Born in Alaska and raised in Iowa and Arizona, McGee discovered her passion for auto racing in the 1950s. By 1957, she transitioned to motorcycle road racing to refine her car racing skills, quickly proving herself a fierce competitor. Despite facing rule changes designed to hinder her, McGee persevered, breaking new ground for women in motocross and road racing.
Her fearless determination led her to off-road racing in the 1960s, and by 1967 she became the first woman to ride the Baja 500. A tireless advocate for motorcycling, McGee continued racing until 2011, all while encouraging women to embrace the sport. Inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018, her contributions remain monumental.
Fittingly, ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on McGee premiered just a day after her passing, ensuring her remarkable story continues to inspire.
Source: Motorcycle.com
