Mary McGee Dies at 87; Racing Pioneer Inducted into 2018 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Female motorsports pioneer Mary McGee, known affectionately as "Motorcycle Mary," died Wednesday at the age of 87.
According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), McGee's family announced that she died at her home in Nevada.
McGee was a trailblazer for women in auto and motorcycle racing, becoming the first woman to compete in motocross racing in the United States. She was also the first woman or man to complete the Baja 500 off-road race on their own, accomplishing the feat in 1975.
By virtue of her historic achievements, McGee was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018.
In a statement released on social media, McGee's family said she "inspired generations of athletes that followed in her footsteps," and added:
"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."
On Thursday, ESPN posted a 30 for 30 short film entitled Motorcycle Mary on the ESPN YouTube page:
The short, which details the life and times of McGee, was executive produced by Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton.
The 39-year-old Hamilton, who is a seven-time F1 champion, also released a statement on McGee's passing, saying: "Her legacy will live on as a trailblazer in the world of motorsports and beyond."
