From a press release issued by the Superbike World Championship press office:
Special Tribute
Two time world 500cc motorcycle champion Barry Sheene will be remembered during a special two wheel tribute at this weekend’s Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island.
Sheene, 52, passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer, however his old riding rivals have ensured he will be remembered with a special lap of Phillip Island planned.
Sheene’s Classic No 7 1961 Manx Norton racebike will be brought from the Gold Coast for the Superbike event and will be ridden by good friend and team mate Mike Farrell as a precursor to Sunday’s first World Superbike race.
The Manx Norton machine allowed Sheene to continue his passion for racing, with his famed competitive spirit surfacing at Phillip Island’s Annual Island Classic. Sheene set a new Classic lap record for the 4.45km circuit on the Manx when he raced it to victory in the 2002 event. Sheene also competed in the Classic support events at the British Grand Prix at Donington Park in recent years, as well as the Goodwood Classic Festival late last year where he recorded a hard-fought victory over 1987 World 500 Champion Wayne Gardner.
“We have many many great memories of Barry and he has done so much for motorsport in this country. He just loved to race and fans at our January historic meeting were always treated to a great showdown when he competed here,” said Fergus Cameron, Managing Director, Phillip Island Motor Sport Pty Ltd.
“In recent years, Barry, Mike, Craig Morris and Peter Guest had many great tussles around this circuit and Barry more often than not, came out in front. His love of racing, his ever competitive spirit and his unique humour will always be remembered at Phillip Island.”
Naturally, the bike – on which Sheene holds the current Classic 500cc Phillip Island lap record (1min.51.570seconds) – will be pitted at the No 7 garage this Sunday for the demonstration session – with the lap of honour allowing World Superbike riders and fans a chance to remember racing’s Cockney larrikin.
The tribute will take place at 11.00 on Sunday.
The #7 Manx Norton will be on display throughout the weekend in the Australian Motorcycle News Superbike Expo.
Sheene Tribute Planned At Phillip Island
Sheene Tribute Planned At Phillip Island
© 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
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