The auto racing world lost an absolute gem on November 27th with the passing of American trailblazing woman driver, Mary McGee. She was 87 years old when she passed away and therefore has seen the best of the racing world. While the likes of Danica Patrick, Hailie Deegan, and Toni Breidinger go up against men in racing these days, it was McGee who laid the foundation for bringing about this change. By no means was she brash, trying to prove her mettle against the opposite gender; rather, she was a class act and let her accomplishment speak for herself.

Now, many young racing fans might have heard her name for the first time seeing Lewis Hamilton pen a heartfelt tribute after her death. But, worry not, as we have compiled all the important tidbits you need to know about Mary McGee, right from her racing journey and her actions that have inspired future generations.

Who was Mary McGee?

Mary McGee was an American motorsport pioneer with an accomplished racing career, first in auto racing and later in motorcycle racing. She was the first woman driver to compete in motor racing and motocross in America. Her racing journey stretches from competing at the Sports Car Club of America to dirt bike adventures. It’s fair to say that McGee didn’t shy away from trying her hand and getting out of her comfort zone.

Well, McGee does have a long list of accolades that highlight her resilience to bring about change in a sport that was believed to be male-dominated. The first woman to race solo at the Baja 500 race, the first woman to compete with Europeans in International motocross in the US, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Inductee, and the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame Inductee. These are just a few standout achievements from her career, and it’s just hard to bundle them all together.

How did Mary McGee make her way into the world of Motorsports?

McGee bought her first motorcycle in 1957, and she had little to no clue what to do with it. But little did she know that the purchase of the 200cc 1956 Triumph Tiger Cub would open the door for her to enter racing. However, she would switch the Triumph with the Honda C110, which she used for her daily commute. McGee became an expert race car driver with her initial entry into competitive racing, and she was ready to do the same with motorcycle racing.

Despite her credentials, the AMA asked her to undergo trials before competing on the two wheels, and she did that with ease. With this simple trial, she became the first woman to hold a FIM license in the United States. From 1960 to 1963, she competed at this level, and then she transitioned to off-road and dirt bike racing.

How did Mary McGee inspire other women in breaking the glass ceiling of male dominance?

Now, McGee certainly garnered a lot of attention for being the first woman motorcycle driver in the country. She didn’t just participate in the event but rather gave her male competitors a run for their money. Eventually, the media got the whereabouts of McGee’s racing talents, and in January 1962, an automobile magazine named Motor Trend inspired by McGee’s racing journey featured an article with the title, “Housewives revolt!” along with a fitting conclusion, “So ladies, if you are bored with freeway traffic, don’t give up. Buy a motorcycle and join Mary McGee.”

Back in the day, you didn’t have social media to document personal milestones and victories. However, McGee’s rise within the racing circuits was just a big game changer, and the media just couldn’t ignore her captivating story. And just like that, McGee’s passion for racing simply created a ripple effect, and more and more female drivers embarked on their journey to become professional racers.

Lewis Hamilton and the world of Motorsports mourns the demise of ‘Motorcycle Mary’

McGee’s story is something that transcends barriers and differences, and her story was an inspiration to all young racers regardless of their genders and backgrounds. Lewis Hamilton was among those who resonated with her story and even got on board to co-produce a documentary on her racing career.

“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 shared this message on Instagram. Fans online also joined Lewis in sending their prayers and condolences after McGee’s death.

“Rest peacefully, Mary. You are a legend and I’m incredibly inspired by your journey. 🏍️” Meanwhile, others tipped their hats to the F1 star for bringing Mary McGee’s story to light, “Thank you, Lewis, for supporting a documentary on this amazing woman. I’m so glad she could be honored for her legacy and that you two could meet. Rest in peace, Mary 🤍🕊️”

Well, now we know the icon who is responsible for changing the game for female drivers in motorsports. Needless to say, McGee’s story is going to be inspirational for future generations.