GARDNERVILLE, Nev. — Mary McGee, a female racing pioneer and the subject of the new documentary “Motorcycle Mary,” has died, her family said. She was 87.
“McGee’s unparalleled achievements in off-road racing and motorcycle racing have inspired generations of athletes that followed in her footsteps,” her family said in a statement.
No details were released other than that McGee died at home in Nevada on Wednesday.
The short documentary “Motorcycle Mary” was released on ESPN’s YouTube channel Thursday. Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton was an executive producer on the film. Its premiere was at the Tribeca Festival in June.
“Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism,” McGee’s family wrote on social media. “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.”
McGee had an accomplished racing résumé, first in auto racing and later in motorcycle racing. She became the first person, man or woman, to complete solo the grueling Baja 500 off-road race in Mexico, which she did in 1975.
The film…
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