RIP Malcolm Smith

The racing world lost a legend this week. The American Motorcyclist Association announced that Malcolm Smith has died of complications from Parkinson’s disease, which he battled for more than two decades. He was 83.

Smith died at home in Riverside, Calif., on Nov. 26, peacefully and surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters Louise and Ashley, sons Joel and Alexander, grandchildren Evie, Adeline, Amelie, Miley and Claire and great-grandsons Ethan, Malcolm and Conrad.

Smith was a legend in the sport and on the big screen. He won eight gold medals at the ISDE, won the Baja 100 six times, three times on a motorcycle and three times in a car and was a four-time winner of the Baja 500. He also participated in the Paris Dakar Rally twice and was a motorcyclist through and through.

His talent on two wheels lead to him starring in a role in the iconic film On any Sunday along with Steve McQueen. The film won an Academy Award in 1972 for Best Documentary and is widely regarded as the film that put motocross on the map. Smith also appeared in Of course for free (1975), Dirt (1979), and Any Sunday II (1981).

After racing, Smith created the iconic MSR (Malcolm Smith Racing) gear brand, which was eventually purchased by Tucker Rocky Distributing.

“Malcolm Smith embodied so much of what is great about motorcycle enthusiasts and the sport of motorcycling,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Not only did he excel in riding, racing and business, but Malcolm was also a great example of how to get the most out of motorcycling and give back and support our sport as he did for most of his life – and always with a smile.”

Ride in peace, Malcolm.

Funeral and memorial services are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Malcolm’s favorite charity, the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which supports the children of Baja, at www.malcolmsmithmotorsportsfoundation.org/ .

Main image: AMA