Motorcycle, Off-Road Racing Legend Malcolm Smith Dies In Riverside

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Motorcycle and off-road racing aficionados around the globe are mourning the death of Riverside's Malcolm Smith, who died at his home on Nov. 26 from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was 83.

Smith passed peacefully, "surrounded by family," after battling Parkinson's for more than two decades, according to a social media post on Malcolm Smith Motorsports.

"During his 83 years, Smith did it all: Rider. Racer. ISDT [International Six Days Trial] gold medalist. Shop tech. Service manager. Repair shop owner. Aftermarket distributor. Retail store owner. Actor. Sponsor. Philanthropist. Pro-motorcycling advocate. Father. Grandfather. Friend. And much more," the post read.

"But over and above all that, Malcolm Smith was everyman’s motorcyclist, an enthusiastic, fun-loving, driven and talented example of what motorcycling could do and be for the everyday enthusiast, and how the sport could affect our lives in unimaginable ways," the post continued.

Born on March 9, 1941, on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada, Smith first raced in 1956 — a career that took him around the world and won him accolades and fame.

In 1971, Smith starred alongside Steve McQueen in the iconic documentary film, "On Any Sunday," which was shot on location in Lake Elsinore. It chronicled motorcycle racing and the lifestyle that went along with it.

Filmed and directed by then 33-year-old Bruce Brown, and financed by his friend McQueen, Oscar-nominated “On Any Sunday” left a lasting impression on the region and millions of moviegoers.

Smith continued appearing in motion pictures, including "Naturally Free" (1975), "Dirt" (1979), and "On Any Sunday II" (1981). He was later featured in the 2005 Baja 1000 documentary, "Dust to Glory," co-starring Mario Andretti and Robby Gordon.

Smith was a gearhead, so after his racing days ended, he developed tools and riding gear for the sport. He later owned Malcolm Smith MotorSports in Riverside, which continues to operate.

Smith was inducted into the Off-road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1978, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1996, and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

Arguably, one of the most touching comments of the hundreds made on social media following the announcement of Smith's passing was this: "I remember walking into his shop as a kid and my dad asking if we could meet him. He took time out of his day to talk to us and share a little history. I still have a signed shirt and poster from him. Incredible rider and incredibly humble person, a true legend!"

Smith is survived by his wife Joyce, daughters Louise and Ashley, sons Joel and Alexander, granddaughters Evie, Adeline, Amelie, Miley and Claire, and grandsons Ethan, Malcolm and Conrad.

Funeral and memorial services were not announced. In lieu of flowers, Smith's family requests donations to his favorite charity, the Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation, which supports the children of Baja: www.malcolmsmithmotorsportsfoundation.org/.