Mary McGee, a female pioneer in the motorsport world, died on Wednesday at the age of 87.
McGee, who starred in Formula One star Lewis Hamilton’s short film “Motorcyle Mary” in June, has died 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 complete the Baja 500 solo.
“Mary embodied resilience, grace and optimism,” McGee’s family wrote on Facebook. “She was a historic athlete and a pioneer in motorsports who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply about others and made time to brighten the lives of those around her.
“While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted in the knowledge that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched.
“We would like to take a moment to thank the caregivers, caregivers, friends and family members who made Mary’s transition peaceful. She especially enjoyed meeting people in recent months who learned her story through the documentary Motorcycle Mary.’
Mary McGee, a female pioneer in the motorsport world, died on Wednesday at the age of 87
The racing legend is pictured with seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton in June
McGee endeared herself to Formula 1 fans earlier this year when she guest-starred in one of Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle’s infamous grid walks.
The heartwarming interview with the former F1 driver during the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal captured the hearts of new generations of racing fans.
“I first started racing cars in 1957, then switched to motorcycles in 1960 and retired 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) for the first F1 race many years ago and for God’s sake I met (double champion) Jimmy Clark!’
Brundle paid tribute to her on Thursday following news of her death, revealing he would speak to her again at the United States Grand Prix, but her declining health ultimately made this impossible.
“This is very sad, I spoke to her on the grid in Montreal and was supposed to make an appearance with Mary in Austin but she wasn’t doing well. Truly a remarkable lady, she has a documentary about her life coming out any day,” he shared on social media.
McGee’s history with motorsports dates back to 1957, when she started racing cars before switching to motorcycles in 1960.
Her career spanned more than five decades before ending in 2012, when she last raced at the age of 75. In 2018, she was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Her rich history in motorsports was captured by Hamilton in his short film ‘Motorcyle Mary’, which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June.
Her rich history with motorsport was captured by Hamilton in his short film ‘Motorcyle Mary’
The American racer started 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 complete the Baja 500 solo
The ESPN 30 for 30 film documents McGee’s triumphant journey into racing, first in auto racing and later in motorcycle racing on the track and in the open field.
The documentary, directed by Haley Watson and executive produced by F1 champion Hamilton and two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, will air on November 3 at 2pm ET on ESPN2.
“Racing for me was never just about competition – it was about freedom, courage and pushing myself beyond my limits,” McGee said when 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 forge their own path, regardless of the odds.”
Born on December 12, 1936 in Juneau, Alaska, McGee and her brother Jim Connor were sent to Iowa to live with their grandparents during World War II.
She was later encouraged by Jim to take up motor racing after he became a racing driver – even though it was unprecedented for a woman to compete in the sport – and the rest was history.
McGee initially raced a Mercedes 300SL under the Sports Car Club of America before entering the world of motorcycle racing after being encouraged by racing car legend Vasek Polak, who spotted her potential.
The move secured McGee’s FIM license, making her the first American woman to do so.
Wearing an iconic ink-dot helmet, McGee made her mark on the sport and was later encouraged to switch to desert racing by Hollywood icon Steve McQueen.