August 11, 2022
The latest from NORRA

Mary McGee Named Grand Marshal
For The 2022 Yokohama NORRA 500 Presented By Method Race Wheels!

AGUA DULCE, CALIF. - NORRA is proud to announce that Mary McGee is the Grand Marshal for the 2022 Yokohama NORRA 500 presented by Method Race Wheels. Mary has an incredible racing pedigree on two wheels and four. She began racing in 1960, and was a pioneer in NORRA events; racing the very first Mexican 1000 in 1967 driving a Datsun 510 sedan. Her friend Paul Collins called her and asked if she wanted to race the Mexican 1000, and her response was “Sure, why not.” That summed up her attitude throughout her career as she was open to racing just about anything.

Mary was a pioneer in off road racing, and to honor her accomplishments, NORRA is creating the Mary McGee trophy for the highest placing female racer at the NORRA 500, and Mexican 1000. A member of the AMA Hall of Fame, Mary became the first woman to road race and hold a FIM license in the United States. She also regularly competed in Motocross, and district 37 desert events when she wasn’t racing in Baja. Mary became the first woman to finish the Mexican 1000 in 1968, and in 1975, she rode a 250 Husqvarna solo in the Baja 500, passing 17, two-man teams. Mary has always said that the hardest thing she ever did was racing in Baja. "It was very barren, no electricity, no doctors, no phone.” When she got a call from three-time motocross world champion Rolf Tibblin, who asked if she would ride the Baja 500 solo in ’75, she replied, “I can’t do that Rolf.” Rolf responded in his Swedish accent “You will do it Mary,” So she accepted the challenge. “We all get one life,” says Mary. “But you are not living if you aren’t having fun.”

Mary knows a lot about having fun, and that’s why she is the perfect Grand Marshal for the NORRA 500. The NORRA 500 is about Good Vibes, and Good Times; Mary brings that wherever she goes. The NORRA 500 welcomes the people, and the cars from every era of offroad racing. The format consists of a unique, 250 mile course each day for 2 days. The 2 routes take in special areas in Baja like the infamous pine forest, the beach, and the desert. The course has not yet been revealed, but Race Director Eliseo Garcia has promised something special again this year. All UTV competitors will be eligible for the Cartera Grande (Big Purse) of prizes and awards offered by NORRA sponsors. The Safari class will also be running. It’s open to street legal vehicles, and is a guided tour that takes in the race, as well as incredible points of interest and secret spots only seasoned Baja travelers know.

No other racing event pays tribute to the history of offroad racing while also providing the memories and camp fire stories that will be told by future generations. The NORRA 500’s 2-day loop race format is intended to reduce complicated planning and logistics. It’s an event that racers can easily manage with friends and family. Each evening the NORRA team will offer locally inspired hospitality starting with happy hour events, and concluding with dinner. If you have always wanted to bring your family, and friends to see what NORRA is all about, or want to get your feet wet racing in Baja, this is the event for you! Go to www.norra.com to find out how to join the fun! Registration is open!

"The Happiest Race On Earth!"
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###   Good Vibes. Good Times!   ###