A groundbreaking figure in motorsports who shattered gender barriers in auto and motorcycle racing has left an indelible mark on the industry.
According to Deadline, Mary McGee, the trailblazing racer and subject of the Oscar-contending documentary "Motorcycle Mary," passed away Wednesday in Gardnerville, Nevada, at the age of 87.
McGee's family announced her death on Facebook, celebrating her legacy as a historic athlete and motorsports pioneer who approached life's challenges with resilience and optimism. Her remarkable journey from auto racing to becoming the first person to complete a solo run of the grueling Baja 500 off-road race in Mexico has inspired generations of racers.
Born Mary Bernice Connor on December 12, 1936, in Juneau, Alaska, McGee's path to racing began during World War II when she and her brother Jim Connor were sent to live with their grandparents in Iowa. Her brother, who later became a race car driver himself, played a pivotal role in introducing her to the male-dominated world of motorsports.
Racing team owner Vasek Polak recognized McGee's potential and offered her the opportunity to drive his Porsche Spyders in the 1960s. This decision proved transformative as McGee went on to secure numerous victories. The same mentor later encouraged her to venture into motorcycle racing, where she would achieve even greater acclaim.
Actor Steve McQueen's influence further shaped McGee's racing career when he convinced her to participate in motocross events, including the legendary Baja 500. This diversification of her racing portfolio demonstrated her exceptional versatility and determination.
The ESPN 30 for 30 film "Motorcycle Mary," which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June, captures McGee's extraordinary journey. The documentary, directed by Haley Watson and executive produced by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton and two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot, is set to debut on ESPN's YouTube channel Thursday.
Marsha Cooke, vice president and executive producer of ESPN Films, emphasized the significance of McGee's story. The film serves as a testament to her revolutionary impact on motorsports and her role in dismantling gender barriers in racing.
McGee herself reflected on her racing career with profound insight. As she stated:
Racing was never just about competition for me—it was about freedom, courage, and pushing myself beyond limits. 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.
McGee continued racing well into her 70s, demonstrating an unwavering passion for the sport. Her achievements were formally recognized in 2018 with her induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Her family's Facebook announcement acknowledged the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members who ensured McGee's peaceful transition. They noted her particular joy in meeting those who discovered her story through the documentary in recent months.
Mary McGee's passing marks the end of an era in motorsports history, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the racing landscape. The pioneering racer, who began her journey in Porsche Spyders and later conquered the challenging Baja 500, demonstrated that gender barriers in motorsports could be overcome through skill, determination, and courage.
Her story, preserved in the documentary "Motorcycle Mary," will continue to inspire future generations of racers, particularly women seeking to make their mark in motorsports. McGee's journey from Alaska to becoming a legendary figure in both auto and motorcycle racing exemplifies the power of pursuing one's passions regardless of societal constraints.
