Mary Bernice McGee, the legendary motorsports pioneer, and star of the documentary Motorcycle Mary died on Wednesday, November 27, at the age of 87.

In a statement from Ms. McGee’s family, they said:

“We are deeply saddened to share that Mary Bernice McGee of Gardnerville, Nevada has passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends. She passed on 11/27/24 at 87 years old due to complications from a stroke. The recent months brought Mary great joy, especially with the outpouring of recognition garnered by the recent documentary that brought worldwide attention to her story. To the world, Mary was a legend: a pioneering athlete in motorsports, a beacon for women athletes across the United States and beyond, and a strong spirit who embraced life’s challenges while always making time to brighten the lives of those around her.”

“To the Sunderlands, Mary was a loving sister, a caring second mom, and a doting grandmother. Mary’s infectious smile and spirit touched every person she met on the long road she travelled in life. Mary spent much of her life as a nomad: everywhere she trekked, people remember her name and vibrancy. In 1968, Mary decided to plant her roots with the Sunderland family, later moving from Hermosa Beach to Gardnerville, Nevada to be with them. Mary’s vibrant soul gifted the Sunderland family a sense of fun, love for adventure, kindness, and authenticity. Mary believed in being your true self above all else and her zeal for the human experience left an imprint on the Sunderlands for generations. Mary was always unapologetically and completely herself, never afraid to make her opinions well known and always assertively advocating for the humanity of people. Part of Mary’s legacy is written in The Sunderlands, a family with no shortage of incredibly strong women. Mary’s light, kindness, humor, and full hugs will be dearly missed in our family. At this time the family respectfully requests their privacy.”

Ms. McGee passed away just one day before the release of Motorcycle Mary, a short documentary directed by Haley Watson, chronicling her extraordinary career, which premiered on ESPN’s YouTube channel, available globally for free.

Haley Watson, the director of the film, said:

“I’m deeply saddened by this news, but I am comforted to know that Mary was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her passing. In early 2022, I was researching stories when I came across Mary’s. That discovery marked the tipping point into uncovering a much larger and truly incredible career in motorsports and life journey. My heart goes out to the Sunderland family, who provided Mary with care during her final moments, as well as countless joyful memories throughout her life.”

Mary McGee was a trailblazer in a male-dominated sport. In 1975, she made history as the first person to complete the Baja 500 solo on a motorcycle. She also became the first woman to be issued a racing license by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) in 1960 and the first woman to compete in the iconic Baja 1000 in 1967. She made further history in 1968 when she became the first woman to finish the grueling Baja 1000.

McGee was the first woman to race motocross in the U.S., the first to compete in an international motocross competition, and the first to receive sponsorships from major brands such as Datsun, Husqvarna, and Toyota Racing Development. Over the course of her career, she raced in events such as the Mint 400, the Mexican 1000, and multiple Baja 500 and 1000 races, earning a place as one of the most influential women in the history of motorsports.

Ms. McGee’s contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the 2012 FIM Woman Legend Award, induction into the American Motorcyclists Association Hall of Fame, and recognition as a “Women Legend” by the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2023. She was also honored as Grand Marshal of the 2022 NORRA 500.

In addition to her competitive achievements, McGee was known for her mentorship of other women in racing.

In recent months, Mary had enjoyed attending festival events featuring Motorcycle Mary including a premiere at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and a special tribute at this year’s ESPY Awards. She met the film’s Executive Producer, global racing superstar Lewis Hamilton at the 2024 Montreal Grand Prix, who she encouraged to “Continue having fun.”

Motorcycle Mary has received widespread recognition, including official selections at the DOC NYC Short List: Shorts, Indy Shorts Film Festival, Camden International Film Festival, as well as a Grand Jury Special Mention at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Best Action Sport Short at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Best Nevada Short Documentary at the Cordillera International Film Festival, Best Female Protagonist at the Nevada Women’s Film Festival, and Best Short at the Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival.

Watch the official trailer for Motorcycle Mary.