Motorsports legend Mary McGee dead at 87… just months after going viral for interview
Mary McGee, a female pioneer in the world of motor racing, died at the age of 87 on Wednesday.
McGee, who starred in Formula One star Lewis Hamilton‘s short film ‘Motorcyle Mary’ in June, passed away 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 finish the Baja 500 solo.
‘Mary embodied resilience, grace, and optimism,’ McGee’s family wrote on Facebook. ‘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.
‘We would like to take a moment to extend a thank you to the healthcare providers, caregivers, friends, and family members that made Mary’s transition peaceful. She particularly enjoyed the last few months meeting those who learned her story through the documentary, Motorcycle Mary.’
Mary McGee, a female pioneer in the world of motor racing, died at the age of 87 on Wednesday
McGee endeared herself to fans of Formula One just earlier this year when she guest starred on one of Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle’s infamous grid walks.
The heartwarming interview with the former F1 driver at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal won over the hearts of new generations of racing fans.
‘I first started racing cars in 1957 and then I switched to motorcycles in 1960 and I quit 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] many years ago for the first F1 race, met [double champion] Jimmy Clark for God’s sake!’
Brundle paid tribute to her Thursday following the news of her death, revealing he had been due to speak to her again at the United States Grand Prix but her declining health ultimately didn’t make it possible.
‘This is very sad, spoke to her on the grid in Montreal and was due to make a feature with Mary in Austin but she wasn’t well. Truly remarkable lady, there is a documentary being released anytime about her life,’ he shared on social media.
McGee’s history with motorsports dates back to 1957 when she began racing cars before switching to motorcycles in 1960.
Her career spanned over five decades before ending in 2012 when she last raced at the age of 75. She was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018.
Her rich history with motorsports was captured by Hamilton in his short film, ‘Motorcyle Mary,’ which held its world premier at the Tribeca Festival in June.
More to follow.