#98, Mary McGee shares her career as motorcycle icon

James Raia

Mary McGee arrived on the Monterey Peninsula in 1962 ready to compete at Laguna Seca Raceway. With five friends, including another rider, the group was also abruptly asked to leave a restaurant because they were "motorcycle people."

Mary McGee has been busy lately. In July, she was a guest at the Superbike World Championships at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on the Monterey Peninsula. A few weeks later, McGee was a guest at The Sacramento Mile, the long-standing motorcycle event.

McGee’s presence at various events provides a chance for the public to recognize the pioneering race car and motorcycle driver now age 82. Inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame last November, Mary is our guest on episode #98 of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

Mary McGee arrived on the Monterey Peninsula in 1962 ready to compete at Laguna Seca Raceway. With five friends, including another rider, the group was also abruptly asked to leave a restaurant because they were "motorcycle people."
Mary McGee in 1962 competed in the first motorcycle race held at Laguna Seca Raceway. Image © Bob Heathcote/WeatherTech Laguna Seca Rcaway.

I had the opportunity to interview McGee during the Superbike World Championships. Bruce joined me when we interviewed Mary in the coffee shop at the DoubleTree in Sacramento the day before the Sacramento Mile.

McGee arrived earlier in the day after a several-hour drive in her 17 1/2-year old Toyota Tundra from her home in Gardnerville, Nev., to Sacramento.

During our wide-ranging podcast, the women’s sports pioneer discussed the trials, tribulations and successes of her career. She stopped riding at age 77 because of severe arthritis in her hands. She talks with the energy of youth, walks with a purpose and remains fit. Mary grins and laughs often. She dons a healthy supply of curly white hair.

Please join us for this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast.

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Article Last Updated: August 15, 2019.

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