Malcolm Smith
Malcolm Smith: Off-Road Legend and Humanitarian Hero
Malcolm Smith’s journey through the world of motorsports is as rugged and thrilling as the trails he’s conquered. From his humble beginnings riding a Lambretta motor scooter in 1954 to becoming one of the most iconic off-road racers in history, Malcolm’s love for motorcycles has been lifelong. Now a celebrated figure not only for his racing achievements but also for his entrepreneurial success and humanitarian efforts, Malcolm’s legacy continues to inspire.
Early Passion and Diverse Racing Career
By 1956, Malcolm entered his first race aboard a 1949 Matchless, and from there, his career took off in a big way. Over the years, he has participated in virtually every type of off-road racing. A true legend of the Baja 1000, Malcolm has won the grueling race six times—three times on a motorcycle and three times in a car. Add to that four Baja 500 victories, two Mint 400 wins, and triumphs at the Roof of Africa Rallye, and you begin to see the breadth of his success.
In the 1987 Rallye D’Atlas in Morocco, a tune-up for the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally, Malcolm claimed victory driving an off-road buggy. Twice he took on the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally itself, one of the toughest motorsports events on the planet. In 1988, Malcolm and navigator Alain Fieuw piloted a Range Rover to a fourth-place finish—an incredible achievement that marked the highest finish for an American at that time.
A True Champion on Two Wheels
Though his four-wheeled feats are impressive, Malcolm is perhaps most famous for his achievements on two wheels. From 1966 to 1976, he earned eight gold medals in the International Six Day Trials (ISDT), the prestigious European cross-country competition often called the Olympics of motorcycling. His consistent success in the ISDT solidified his place among the greatest off-road motorcyclists of all time.
It was his incredible talent on two wheels that earned Malcolm a co-starring role in On Any Sunday, Bruce Brown’s 1971 documentary that gave mainstream audiences a glimpse into the thrilling world of motorcycling. Co-starring alongside Steve McQueen, Malcolm’s passion for the sport helped inspire a boom in off-road motorcycling in the United States.
An Entrepreneur and Innovator
Beyond his racing accomplishments, Malcolm has made a significant mark in the business world. He is the founder of Malcolm Smith Racing (MSR), a company that produces top-tier motorcycle apparel, helmets, and safety gear. Through MSR, Malcolm has introduced countless innovative products and helped bring high-quality European off-road gear to the American market.
His ventures didn’t stop there. Malcolm Smith Motorsports, a large motorcycle dealership and off-road accessory store in his hometown of Riverside, California, has become a hub for off-road enthusiasts. His newest endeavor, Malcolm Smith Adventures, grew from the countless requests he received to lead motorcycle tours down the Baja Peninsula. Today, his annual Six Days of Baja charity ride is a favorite among riders and has raised over $50,000 for orphanages in Mexico.
Humanitarian Efforts and Family Man
As successful as Malcolm is on the track and in business, he is equally committed to giving back. His charity rides in Baja have become legendary, not just for the trails they traverse but for the impact they have on local communities. Malcolm’s humanitarian spirit is as strong as his racing drive, and his contributions to Mexican orphanages through his charity work reflect his deep sense of social responsibility.
At the heart of everything Malcolm does is his family. Married with four children—two sons and two daughters—Malcolm is a devoted family man. His passion for motorcycles is shared by his family, and they often spend their free time riding together. Whether it's in the wide-open deserts of Baja or the majestic mountains of Colorado, riding motorcycles remains a central part of their family life.
Legacy of a Legend
Whether he's racing through the Moroccan desert, leading a charity ride through Baja, or developing top-tier motorcycle gear, Malcolm Smith has lived a life defined by adventure, excellence, and a deep love for the sport of off-road racing. His contributions to motorcycling culture, both on and off the track, are immeasurable. As he continues to inspire new generations of riders, Malcolm’s legacy as an off-road legend and humanitarian will endure for years to come.