Mary “Motorcycle” Magee: A Trailblazer for Women in Motorsports
In the motorsports world, few names resonate as powerfully as Mary “Motorcycle” Magee. She died at 87 last month, one day before a short documentary about her life was released. A pioneer in a male-dominated field, Mary broke barriers, challenged norms, and inspired countless women to take their place in the motorcycle world. Her story is one of grit, determination, and passion—and it’s a story worth celebrating. As we honor her legacy, we also celebrate the growing presence of women in motorcycling proving there’s no limit to what they can achieve on two wheels.
A Trailblazer is Born
Mary Magee wasn’t just any motorcycle enthusiast. She was a woman with the courage to pursue it at a time when motorcycling was largely considered a man’s game. In the 1950s and 60s, the sight of a woman on a motorcycle—let alone competing in races—was rare. But Mary, encouraged by her husband and brother, both racecar drivers, didn’t let societal expectations deter her. She embraced the thrill of the ride and quickly made a name for herself in both track and motocross racing. Her skill, fearlessness, and determination earned her a place in the annals of motorsports history.
Mary’s journey began as a casual rider. She raced cars, but rode a Honda C110 daily to commute to work. The owner of a car she raced in California suggested that she race motorcycles to sharpen her track skills. She was a natural, whose aptitude quickly turned into competitive ambition—in 1962, she became the first woman to race motorcycles with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). This was no small feat, it required her to master the physical demands of racing and overcome skepticism and resistance in a male-dominated industry.
Mary McGee/Breakwater Studios
Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
Mary didn’t just participate in races—she excelled. Her career spanned multiple disciplines, from racecars to desert racing to motocross, earning her respect and admiration from her peers. Competing against men who had years of experience and better resources, she held her own, proving that skill and determination mattered more than gender.
One of her most memorable achievements came when she became not just the first woman, but the first person to finish the Baja 500 solo. Despite a lack of broad recognition in her time, her participation and success in events like these inspired other women to consider racing as a possibility. Mary showed the world that women could excel in motorsports, paving the way for future generations.
Inspiring a Movement
Mary’s contributions extend beyond her impressive racing career. She became a role model for women everywhere, showing them that they could break free from traditional gender roles and pursue their passions fearlessly. Her legacy is visible today in the growing number of women riders, racers, and influencers in the motorcycle community. Organizations, events, and networks dedicated to women in motorcycling owe much of their momentum to trailblazers like Mary Magee.
Her story underscores the importance of representation. For decades, women who wanted to ride or race often felt isolated or unwelcome in a culture dominated by men. Mary’s visibility in the sport helped shift that narrative, proving that women belonged not only as spectators or passengers but as equals on the track and trail.
Women in Motorcycling Today
Thanks to Mary Magee and other pioneers, the landscape of motorcycling has changed dramatically. Today, women are not only riding but also excelling in areas like racing, design, mechanics, and advocacy. Events like Babes Ride Out and The Litas have created spaces where women riders can connect, share their experiences, and celebrate their love of motorcycling.
In professional motorsports, women like Laia Sanz, Maria Costello, and Ana Carrasco are making headlines, continuing the work Mary began decades ago. These women are proving that motorcycling isn’t just a hobby or a sport—it’s a platform for empowerment and equality.
The Importance of Community
One of the most significant aspects of Mary’s legacy is the emphasis on community. Without her husband, brother, racecar owners, and friends like Steve McQueen who championed her motorsports career, she might never have entered the race. Motorcycling is about more than just the machine or the thrill of speed—it’s about the people who share the passion. Her encouragement to women riders today was simple. “You’re a rider,” she tells them, reminding them to think, “I’m a woman, I can do it.” In supporting younger women she said, “If you don’t try something you want to do, whatever that is, you don’t have any stories to tell.” Mary’s legacy was creating spaces where riders, regardless of gender, could feel a sense of belonging.
Today, organizations like Motorcycle Missions carry that torch, using motorcycles to build community and support for veterans and first responders. These programs, which use motorcycling as a tool for healing and empowerment, echo Mary’s belief in the power we have on two wheels to beat the odds and make history.
Embracing the Future
As we celebrate Mary Magee’s contributions, we look forward. The future of women in motorcycling is promising, with participation, visibility, and leadership increasing each year. Manufacturers are recognizing the importance of catering to women riders, offering bikes, gear, and events designed for them. Social media platforms have also become powerful tools for women riders to share their stories, connect with others, and inspire the next generation of female riders.
Motorcycling has always been a symbol of freedom and individuality. For women, it represents more than just transportation or sport—it exemplifies confidence and capability. Mary Magee’s story reminds us that these values are worth fighting for and that every barrier broken forges a path for the next rider to follow.
Honoring Mary Magee’s Legacy
At Motorcycle Missions, we honor pioneers like Mary “Motorcycle” Magee by empowering individuals to find healing and purpose through motorcycling. Her legacy inspires us to continue breaking barriers and creating opportunities for everyone who dreams of life on two wheels.
Let’s ride forward, united by a shared passion and a commitment to inclusivity. Here’s to Mary Magee and the extraordinary women who follow in her tire tracks. The road ahead is open, and the journey is just beginning.
