“McGee’s unparalleled achievements in off-road racing and motorcycle racing have inspired generations of athletes who have followed in his footsteps,” his family said in a statement.

McGee died of complications from a stroke at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada, on Wednesday, a day before the release of the short documentary “Motorcycle Mary” on ESPN’s YouTube channel, the family said. Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton was executive producer of the film, which became available globally on Thursday. It premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June.

“Mary embodied resilience, grace and optimism,” McGee’s family wrote on social media. “She was a historic athlete and motorsports pioneer who embraced life’s challenges, cared deeply for others and took time to brighten the lives of those around her. “Although we are deeply saddened by this loss, we take comfort in knowing that his light will continue to shine on all those he touched.”

McGee had an accomplished racing resume, first in auto racing and later in motorcycle racing. She became the first person – male or female – to complete the grueling Baja 500 off-road race solo in Mexico, which she did in 1975.

The film based on him was directed by Haley Watson. Two-time Oscar winner Ben Proudfoot was also an executive producer.

“I am 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,” Watson said. “In early 2022, I was researching stories When I met Mary. That discovery marked the turning point to unleash a huge and truly incredible career in motorsports and life’s journey.

Shortly after his family announced his death, Hamilton paid tribute on his Instagram account: “I was deeply saddened to hear that Mary McGee, the first woman to race a road race motorcycle in the U.S. and the first person to race a solo Baja 500 Has passed away.” ,” Hamilton wrote. “My condolences to his family and all those inspired by him. “His legacy will live on as a trailblazer in the world of motorsports and beyond.”

Born in Juneau, Alaska, McGee and his older brother were sent to Iowa to live with their grandparents during World War II. Her brother became a race car driver and encouraged her sister to take up the sport, even though it was almost unprecedented for women at the time.

Racing team owner Vasek Pollock convinced McGee to drive a Porsche Spyder and he won the race. Pollock later convinced him to take up motorcycle racing and he excelled at it.

The late actor and racing enthusiast Steve McQueen was the one who convinced McGee to participate in the Baja 500.

McGee was the first woman to race Motocross in the United States, the first to compete in an international Motocross event, and the first to receive sponsorship from major brands.

She was one of the most influential women in the history of motorsports and was known for mentoring other women in racing.

McGee was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2018.

Auto Racing: /hub/auto-racing

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.