Bob MacLean, the creator of the WCM independent racing team that won five 500GPs under the Red Bull Yamaha WCM name, died at the age of 87. MacLean founded WCM in 1992, and the team rose to prominence in 1997 with factory-spec YZR500s and Red Bull support. The squad won in Donington in 1998 with Simon Crafar and at Valencia in 1999 with Regis Laconi.
WCM reached its height in 2000, when Garry McCoy, the “slide king,” won three races and ended fifth in the world championship. However, the team had difficulties in 2002 as MotoGP transitioned to four-strokes, remaining with two-strokes due to restricted Yamaha M1 availability. Red Bull’s decision to cooperate with KTM that year represented a watershed moment
WCM created a four-stroke prototype using a modified Yamaha R1 engine and a Harris-built chassis, but encountered political and technical challenges. Plans for a V6-powered bike with Blata support fell through, and the team exited the championship after 2005, leaving a lasting legacy of ingenuity and determination in MotoGP. According to Road Racing World, MacLean’s family released the following statement:
“Robert John MacLean, 2/18/1937-12/14/2024.
“On December 14, 2024, Robert John MacLean (Bob), devoted husband, father, and educator, died peacefully at his home in Wilson, Wyoming, at the age of 87.” Robert John MacLean and Mary Witty MacLean gave birth on February 18, 1937, in Coronado, California. Bob’s life was distinguished by a strong commitment to education, athletics, and community.
Bob graduated from Bronxville High School (Class of 1955) and obtained a BA in English from Colby College in 1960.” Following Colby, Bob spent three years in the United States Army National Guard. His passion for teaching led him to a distinguished career as an educator, commencing at The Allen Stevenson School in New York City.
He eventually joined Rye Country Day School, where he taught English and oversaw the construction and operation of the Gerald LaGrange Field House, which included an ice hockey rink and tennis courts. Bob was the head coach of the varsity hockey and lacrosse teams, as well as an assistant coach for the varsity football team.
He also shared his love of hockey through the Wildcat Hockey Camp, which he founded and maintained for several years. Bob’s commitment to the sport was demonstrated further when he attended the Master Coaches Clinic, which was led by Fred Shero.
He was the Chairman of the Hockey Committee at the Hickory Hill Skating Rink in Katonah, NY. He was the President of the Southern New England Interscholastic Ice Hockey Coaches Association and a member of the American Hockey Coaches Association.
“After many years of racing motorcycles, Bob founded World Championship Motorsports in 1991, where he was a co-owner and operator until 2005.” WCM competed in the FIM Grand Prix Motorcycle series, which is the highest level of international motorsport. His business energy, combined with his dedication to school and athletics, demonstrated his leadership abilities.
“Bob was very involved in the community, serving on the Board of South Kent School from 1990 to 1999, including as President from 1995 to 1999, when his leadership and generosity shaped the school’s destiny. Bob was also a long-time board member of the Teton County Sheriff’s Auxiliary and a member of the Shakespeare Globe’s New York Board of Directors.
“In Wilson, Wyoming, Bob found peace and purpose in his passion for fly fishing and spending time on his ranch. He supported local causes, like the Jackson Hole Land Trust and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, demonstrating his strong appreciation for the region’s natural splendor.
“Above all, Bob cherished his family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Anna (Marna) MacLean. They reared three kids in Waccabuc, New York, and then lived in Lost Tree Village, Florida and Wilson, Wyoming. Bob is also survived by his three sons, Chris MacLean (Cathryn Kishbaugh), Ian MacLean, and Mark MacLean (Marsha Yamaykina), and five grandchildren.
“Bob’s love of life, his sense of humor, and positive outlook will be remembered by his friends and family.”