Jesse Ziegler | January 14, 2025
Family and friends gathered at Malcolm Smith Motorsports in Riverside, California, on Sunday, January 12, to remember the off-road legend of legends, Malcolm Smith, who passed away in November after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
As you can imagine, the Malcolm Smith Motorsports facility in Riverside, California, was packed with those celebrating and remembering Malcolm Smith, who passed away in November 2024.
Photos by Jean Turner
The event saw attendance pushed to capacity at the venue inside and out, where Smith’s family led a tribute to the ultimate adventurer. A rumored 1500 people RSVP’d, and many more dropped in for one more Malcolm story.
Smith was celebrated in a sea of colorful shirts depicting his favorite Baja style. His onsite museum showcased the impressive history of his sporting and business accomplishments, and those closest to him shared personal stories of his compassion, adventurous spirit and never-say-quit grit.
With motorcycle luminaries in every direction, the center podium hosted tributes from both of Smith’s sons, many personal friends, colleagues and industry elites. Notably, Mert Lawwill, the last surviving star of Bruce Brown’s iconic On Any Sunday star trio (consisting of Steve McQueen, Smith and Lawwill), made remarks, as did Roger DeCoster and Scot Harden. But a quick glance in any direction saw representatives from the very top of motorcycling’s class there to pay their respects to the man many credited with creating their love for motorcycling.
The get-together was filled with names you’re probably familiar with, such as (L to R) Jon-Erik Burleson, Ron Hinson of Hinson Racing with his wife, and enduro champion Randy Hawkins with his son, Mitch.
Stories of racing success, plenty of hilarious failures and, most of all, larger-than-life adventures filled the air with a simple, powerful theme breaking through: Malcolm Smith always tried to have fun, be the best and always be true. And, of course, motorcycles led him on his favorite adventures. From early mishaps to ISDT and Baja success—and for forging ahead on four wheels, as well—Malcolm Smith did it all. Luckily for us, On Any Sunday showed him to us.
Smith’s wife, Joyce.
Without a doubt, Malcolm Smith’s legacy will live on in his family, friends and business, but it’s his philanthropic work that may be the most powerful force left in his absence. His Malcolm Smith Motorsports Foundation is, “Committed to the future leaders of Baja, the children.” Established in 1988 as a fully volunteer foundation with no paid staff, the organization created the El Oasis orphanage near Valle de Trinidad and has since built the program up to include fully funded education for every child from kindergarten to university and beyond.
The motorcycling and off-road world may very well never see a figure like Malcolm Smith again; how could it? But many will continue to remember him when they ride.CN
VIDEO | A Sunday Tribute to Malcolm