Motorcycle Mary

In Juneau, Alaska in 1936 Mary McGee was born. Her and her brother Jim lived with their mother until she sent them to Harpers Ferry, Iowa to live with grandparents since Alaska was facing possible invasion during World War II. Eventually, Mary’s mother joined her children in Iowa and relocated the family to Arizona a year later. During their time in Arizona Mary’s brother convinced her to start driving and a love of racing began to bloom. While at first she is hesitant to learn, Jim’s encouragement sets bigger wheels in motion.

Noticed by Czech racing icon Vasek Polak, Mary is encouraged to pursue a career in racing that eventually leads to her foray into motorcycles. And despite the devastating loss of her brother to the sport he had introduced her to, Mary perseveres and eventually competes in the Baja 500. It is there that Mary gains notoriety as the first female solo rider in the history of the sport, ultimately opening the door for women into a sport once dominated by men.

Haley Watson is no stranger to stories about women breaking gender stereotypes. After producing The Queen of Basketball in 2021 about basketball player Lucy Harris, the short film Motorcycle Mary follows that similar format. And how refreshing it is to find that even in a time where equality was still a ways away, women were (and still are) finding new ways to sit at the table where only men once sat.

Mary McGee’s story is an inspirational one, an important role in the pursuit of winning. As she sits in front of the camera and begins to tell her story, there is a sense of stoicism that rests in McGee’s eyes. While she fondly remembers her brother Jim, Mary has had to put up a tough exterior to enter the realm that was once a boys’ club.  And rather than give an ounce of emotion, she realizes that the sport she loves so much comes with consequences….ones that are simply coincidence. By being able to separate her grief from the dangers of her sport, Mary pushes through and proves that women are capable of doing anything…even if she is not recognized (until now) for her contribution to the sport.

Finishing in 17th place in the Baja 500, Mary McGee has created a precedent for other women to enter the sport. Despite not receiving the accolades that she deserved, Mary does not show anger to the camera. Instead, she reminds us that her life proves one thing – anyone can win. Motorcycle Mary will be featured as part of ESPN’s “30 for 30” shorts at a later date.