Mary McGee, born on December 12, 1936, is a true pioneer in the world of motorsports. Now, you might not know her name, but let me tell you, she sure left a mark. Back in the 1960s, when most women were hardly even thinking about getting their hands dirty with motors and dirt bikes, Mary was out there on the track, showing ’em all how it’s done. She wasn’t just racing for fun either; she was setting records and breaking barriers that no woman had ever dreamed of.
Born in Juneau, Alaska, Mary’s early years were anything but easy. With World War II going on, she ended up moving to Iowa to stay with her grandparents. I reckon that toughened her up a bit. By the time she settled in Phoenix, she was already full of fire, ready to take on whatever challenge came her way. And that’s just what she did.
Now, you may be thinking, “What got her into all this racing business?” Well, it didn’t start with motorcycles, no sir. Mary first took a liking to sports cars. Yup, you heard me right. But even back then, she knew she was destined for more than just the regular ol’ car races. So, in the 1960s, she hopped onto a motorcycle and never looked back. In fact, she went on to become the first woman in the United States to compete in both motorcycle road racing and motocross events. Can you imagine that? Back then, it was a man’s world, and Mary was out there proving them all wrong.
From 1960 to 1976, Mary didn’t just ride in races, she took part in some of the most challenging and dangerous events you can think of. She didn’t have fancy sponsors or high-end teams backing her like some of the big names do today. No, she did it on her own, with grit and determination. And she didn’t just compete for the fun of it either. She was good. Real good. She was known as a force to be reckoned with, especially in the desert off-road racing scene. Those desert races? They ain’t for the faint of heart. But Mary? She ate that dirt for breakfast.
One of the highlights of her career came when she became the first woman to hold an FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) license in the U.S. This was no small feat, mind you. She was paving the way for future women in motorsports, and she didn’t even know it at the time. But Mary didn’t stop there. Oh no, she took it even further. She went and rode the Baja 500 solo! That’s right, folks, the entire thing, all on her own. That’s guts, that is. No one had seen a woman do that before, and it was a big deal back then.
Mary’s story is one of perseverance and courage. She was breaking barriers in a world where women weren’t expected to be there. But you know what? She didn’t care. She kept going, proving over and over again that women could race just as hard and fast as the men. Her legacy isn’t just about the records she set or the races she won. It’s about how she inspired other women to get out there and chase their dreams, no matter how big or small.
And you know what’s funny? Mary McGee didn’t just change the sport of motocross; she changed the game for women in motorsports everywhere. Her journey wasn’t just about winning races; it was about showing the world that women could be pioneers in a world where they were often overlooked. I reckon she did more for women in racing than most people even realize.
Even though Mary McGee is now a bit of a forgotten name in mainstream motorsport history, her impact is still felt today. Her story, while maybe not as famous as some, continues to inspire women and men alike. She was a true pioneer in desert off-road racing and motocross, and we can thank her for the path she carved for others to follow. So next time you hear about motocross, remember the name Mary McGee. She was one of the ones who helped make it all possible.
Tags: [Mary McGee, motocross pioneer, women in motorsports, FIM license, Baja 500, desert racing, female motorcyclist, motocross history, women breaking barriers, motorsports legends]
