Born: 1936 (Juneau, Alaska)
Mary McGee (born December 12, 1936) is an American motorsport racing pioneer. She was the first woman to compete in motorcycle road racing and motocross events in the United States. Starting out as a sports car racer, she competed in motorcycle road racing and motocross from 1960 to 1976, then began competition again in 2000 in vintage motocross events. In 2013, McGee was named an FIM Legend for her pioneering motorcycle racing career. She was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018.
Early Life:
Mary McGee was born in Juneau, Alaska on December 12, 1936. Due to the risk of a Japanese invasion during World War II, her family moved to Iowa, and Mary lived with her grandparents during this time. In 1944, the family eventually settled in Phoenix, Arizona. It was in Phoenix where Mary would meet her future husband, Don McGee, who was a mechanic and had worked on the east coast. Don introduced her to the world of racing, starting with cars and eventually motorcycles.
Racing Career:
Mary McGee began her racing career in sports cars with the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) in December 1957. She drove a Mercedes 300SL owned by George Rice of Phoenix, Arizona. McGee quickly gained attention by consistently winning her races, earning her media coverage. In a January 1962 article in Motor Trend, it was written, Housewives revolt! and ended with so ladies if you are bored with freeway traffic, don’t give up. Buy a motorcycle and join Mary McGee.
Motivated by her success in sports car racing, McGee ventured into motorcycle road racing. She became the first woman to compete in this male-dominated field in the United States. McGee’s career spanned from 1960 to 1976, and she achieved remarkable feats along the way.
McGee raced a variety of motorcycles, participating in events across the country. Some of the notable tracks she raced on include Riverside International Raceway in California, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and Miramar in California. She competed in various classes and consistently placed well, including 2nd in E Modified class and 1st in over 1500cc Modified class in the SCCA. McGee also finished 2nd in the Pacific Coast Championship multiple times.
Despite facing challenges and prejudice as a woman in a male-dominated sport, McGee remained determined and never lost her confidence on the race track. She was admired for her athleticism and skill, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in motorsport.
Later Years and Legacy:
After her initial retirement from racing in 1976, McGee took a break from competitive motorsport for over two decades. However, her passion for racing never waned. In 2000, she made a comeback, competing in vintage motocross events. McGee’s enthusiasm and skill were recognized again when she was named an FIM Legend in 2013. This prestigious acknowledgment paid tribute to her pioneering career and significant contributions to the sport.
In 2018, Mary McGee was further honored for her remarkable achievements in motorsport as she was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. This induction not only celebrated her trailblazing career but also recognized her role as an inspiration to generations of female athletes and her lasting impact on the world of motorsport.
Mary McGee’s determination, courage, and talent have solidified her place in motorsport history. As a female pioneer in both car and motorcycle racing, she defied expectations and shattered gender barriers. McGee’s achievements have paved the way for countless women who followed in her footsteps, inspiring them to pursue their passions fearlessly and challenge societal norms.
Awards:
– 2013: FIM Legend
– 2018: Inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame