In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary’s pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports.
The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee a.k.a. MOTORCYCLE MARY whose racing career spanned thirty years and saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines. Born in Alaska on the eve of World War II, McGee’s early life is riddled with fear but, with her older brother Jim’s guidance, she conquers her apprehensive nature and discovers the art of composure—a skill that serves her to take on the racetrack. Following in her brother’s footsteps, her remarkable racing odyssey begins in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only to later discover her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles. She was the first woman to race motorcycles in the United States. Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Becoming the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle.
The 22-minute documentary short MOTORCYCLE MARY is directed by Haley Watson and produced by Rachel Greenwald and executive produced by two-time Oscar® winner Ben Proudfoot and seven-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton.
Mary McGee died on November 27, 2024 at the age of 87.
00:00- 00:59: Haley Watson Director Statement
00:59-03:50: I am Mary McGee Opening Sequence
03:50-05:34: Mary’s Upbringing
05:34- 07:14: Love for Driving
07:14-09:29: Vasek & Motorcycles
09:29- 11:45: Stay Calm, Twist the Throttle
11:45- 14:00: Jim’s Accident
14:00-15:22: “All Women”
15:22-16:07: Steve McQueen
16:07-20:43: Baja500
20:43- 21:40: Women Can Race too
21:40-22:56: Credits
📍 https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/d36ec638-cd77-4998-9b95-3150157d20eb/30-for-30-shorts
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