Famed female motorcycle racer Mary McGee passed away at 87 due to complications from a stroke, ESPN reported. McGee was recently the subject of the documentary, "Motorcycle Mary," about her life.
McGee's family announced her passing in a statement on Facebook Wednesday. "McGee's unparalleled achievements in off-road racing and motorcycle racing have inspired generations of athletes that followed in her footsteps," the family wrote.
"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," the statement continued.
"While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we are comforted knowing that her light will continue to shine in everyone she touched," the family added. McGee's achievements confirmed her legacy as a trailblazer.
McGee stepped into the male-dominated worlds of auto and motorcycle racing in the middle part of the last century. In 1975, she became the first person to complete the Baja 500 race in Mexico alone, a feat never done before by any man or woman.
Notably, McGee's brother inspired her to pick up racing, but actor and racing fan Steve McQueen convinced her to compete in the grueling event that would be her crowing achievement. McGee had several other firsts for female racers, including sponsorship deals.
McGee was the first woman to race in the international motocross competition and inspired many other young woman to follow her lead. In 2018, McGee was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
A documentary for ESPN's 30 for 30 series featured McGee's life and legacy. The short film, produced by Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, debuted at the Tribeca Festival in June.
Hamilton paid tribute to McGee in a post to his Instagram. "I'm deeply saddened to hear that Mary McGee, the first woman to road race motorcycles in the U.S and the first person to solo the Baja 500 has passed on," he wrote.
"My condolences to her family and everyone who she's inspired. Her legacy will live on as a trailblazer in the world of motorsports and beyond," Hamilton added.
The documentary's director, Haley Watson, shared warm words about McGee. "I'm deeply saddened by this news, but I am comforted to know that Mary was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her passing," Watson said.
"In early 2022, I was researching stories when I came across Mary's. That discovery marked the tipping point into uncovering a much larger and truly incredible career in motorsports and life journey," Watson added.
Women in sports must be better than the men they compete against just to receive proper recognition. McGee rose to that challenge and will be remembered for her contribution to racing.
