A Legacy of Speed: Remembering Malcolm Smith, the Motorcycle Legend Who Conquered Dirt and Asphalt
Steve McQueen had a friend named Malcolm Smith, and their shared passion for motorcycles led them down paths that would etch their names in racing history. It was Smith who introduced McQueen to the thrill of dirt bikes, sparking an enduring friendship and a shared love for speed. McQueen would use these lessons to take on the grueling ISDE (International Six Days of Enduro) in 1964, a testament to Smith’s influence and the boundless appeal of off-road racing.
From Motorcycles to Cars: A Trailblazing Racer
Smith wasn’t confined to two wheels. He blazed a trail, becoming one of the first to transition seamlessly from motorcycles to cars in TT racing. This daring move foreshadowed the electrifying career that would follow, showcasing his versatility and undeniable talent behind the wheel.
Immortalized on Film: A Cinematic Legend
The duo’s shared passion for speed was immortalized on the silver screen. Smith and McQueen starred in the iconic motorcycle film “On Any Sunday,” capturing the raw energy and exhilarating spirit of the sport. The film showcased Smith’s masterful skill as he effortlessly navigated treacherous terrain, scaling an embankment in reverse on his enduro motorcycle — a feat that stunned audiences and cemented his status as a legend.
Conquering Baja: A Testament to Endurance
Smith’s legend extended far beyond the silver screen. He tackled the grueling Baja 1000, a grueling off-road race through the unforgiving Mexican desert, six times, emerging victorious each time. He faced down the arduous 1000-mile (1600 km) Ironman challenge solo, his Chevy buggy cutting a path through towering saguaros and sweeping vistas of the Sea of Cortes. As he crossed the finish line, his first words painted a picture of his fight with time and distance: “But it’s hard to be old!”
A Lifetime of Triumphs: From ISDE to Paris-Dakar
Smith’s accomplishments spanned continents and racing disciplines. He dominated the ISDE, emerging victorious eight times. He conquered the demanding Atlas Rally and secured a remarkable fourth-place finish in the legendary Paris-Dakar rally, solidifying his place among the greatest racers of all time.
“No Malcolm, you were never old, bad everywhere yes, like all old tarmos,” a lingering tribute spoken in admiration, Reflecting not only on Smith’s remarkable racing career but also on the enduring spirit of a man who lived life at full throttle. Malcolm Smith, a legend who rode and raced his way into immortality.
What made Malcolm Smith such a successful racer in both motorcycles and cars?
## Remembering a Legend: Malcolm Smith
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re remembering a true icon of the motorsports world, Malcolm Smith, who sadly passed away this year. Joining us to discuss his incredible legacy is [Guest Name], a longtime friend and fellow racer.
**[Guest Name]:** Thanks for having me. It’s an honor to talk about Malcolm. He was more than just a racer to me, he was a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration.
**Host:** Malcolm was known for his incredible skills on both motorcycles and in cars. Can you tell us a little about his early days and what drew him to racing?
**[Guest Name]:** Malcolm had this innate love for speed and pushing limits from a young age. He started riding dirt bikes as a kid and quickly showed a natural talent for it. He just had this incredible ability to connect with the machine and make it an extension of himself.
**Host:** It’s interesting you mention dirt bikes, because I understand he played a significant role in introducing Steve McQueen to the world of off-road racing.
**[Guest Name]:** That’s right. They were good friends, and Malcolm actually got Steve hooked on dirt bikes. They both embraced that thrill of the open terrain and the challenge of off-road racing. In fact, Steve McQueen even competed in the grueling ISDE, inspired by Malcolm [[1](https://motocrossactionmag.com/godspeed-malcolm-smith-1941-2024/)].
**Host:** Malcolm was a pioneer, becoming one of the first to make such a successful transition from motorcycles to cars in TT racing. How did he approach that challenge?
**[Guest Name]:** Malcolm never shied away from a challenge. He saw racing as a puzzle to be solved, and whether it was on two wheels or four, he applied the same dedication and meticulous understanding of the mechanics and the track. It was a testament to his versatility as a racer.
**Host:** Malcolm’s passing is a loss to the world of motorsports. What is his lasting legacy?
**[Guest Name]:** Malcolm’s legacy is one of passion, determination, and sportsmanship. He showed everyone that anything is possible with enough heart and dedication. He inspired generations of racers, and his name will forever be etched in the history of motorsports.
