From a press release issued by the FIM:

March 11, 2003

Barry Sheene

British rider Barry Sheene, 500cc Grand Prix World Champion in 1976 and 1977, passed away from cancer yesterday in a hospital in Queensland, Australia, at the age of 52.

Barry Sheene scored his first World Championship points in the 125cc class in 1970, and finished second of this class in 1971 with 3 wins. In the 500cc class, after finishing 6th in 1974 and 1975, he clinched the title twice, in 1976 and in 1977, with respectively 5 and 6 Grand Prix victories. Then he finished second in 1978, third in 1979, fourth in 1981, fifth in 1982 and sixth in 1984, his last season at the top level.

Later he moved to Australia, where he worked as a Grand Prix TV commentator.

He was the first rider, together with German Sidecar rider Werner Schwärzel, to be riders’ representative within the FIM Road Racing Commission in 1978. Elected for two years, he took part in the FIM Geneva Meetings and the Congress in Poznan, Poland in October that year, as well as the Geneva Meetings and the Congress in Montreux, Switzerland, in 1979 when he advocated safer circuits.

Barry Sheene soon became a celebrity of motorcycling sport known not only by fans and supporters of the motorcycle sport but also by a much wider general public on whom he made an enormous impact thanks to his open personality and professional approach. He made a tremendous contribution towards making Motorcycle Grand Prix a more widely popular sport. He is still today a sport celebrity, even amongst the younger generation of motorcycle fans.

The premature passing away of Barry Sheene represents a great loss for the world of motorcycling sport.

From a press release:

Infineon Raceway Unveils
Redesigned Web-Site

SONOMA, Calif. (IMMEDIATE RELEASE) Infineon Raceway has unveiled a redesigned Web-site (www.infineonraceway.com) that will offer race fans a variety of amenities designed to not only enhance their stay in the Sonoma Valley, but also provide them with the latest news and information on the premier road course and drag strip in the country.

In addition to a fresh look, the site offers several new interactive features, including regularly updated fan polls and trivia questions. Fans can also sign-up to become an Infineon Raceway Insider, which guarantees them entry into monthly contests for prizes, including a Snap-on Tools tool set and a Ranger bass boat. Being an Insider is the best way to stay updated with events at Infineon Raceway.

Other added features at infineonraceway.com include:

– An Infineon Raceway Insider restricted area that will feature a photo gallery, as well as computer wallpapers and screen savers.

– The ability to e-mail stories to friends.

– Personalized driving directions from anywhere in the country.

– Travel information and the ability to book reservations online, as well as a listing of area hotels, restaurants and wineries.

– Enhanced Fan Guide that should aid your stay at the raceway.

– Updated section on the popular Wednesday Night Drags and ET Summit Bracket Drags programs.

– Section devoted to national racing news, including the latest updates from NASCAR Winston Cup and the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series.

The redesign should not only make your visit to Infineon Raceway much more enjoyable, but also provide the latest information on the country’s most dynamic road course and drag strip.

From a press release issued by Honda Racing for reasons which remain unclear to us:

Circuit Ricardo Tormo Valencia Takes 2002 IRTA Trophy Honours

The IRTA ‘Best Grand Prix of the Year’ Trophy, has been awarded to the Ricardo Circuit – Valencia for the superbly run grand prix in 2002. The 4.005km circuit, named after former 50cc World Champion Ricardo Tormo, a local hero, was opened for racing in 1998 with the first motorcycle grand prix taking place a year later.

Each year the circuit management and associated on-event staff have improved their performance to make the event one of the most popular on the calendar. Valencia was voted into third place in the 2001 poll, few in attendance at the 2002 event will be surprised they have secured the prestigious Trophy this time round.

The IRTA Trophy is awarded based upon a point scoring system that covers every aspect of the running of a grand prix. Safety measures and medical facilities are paramount in motorsport and Valencia passed those tests with flying colours.

The Clerk of the Course, Jose Maria Barona quickly derailed any potential disruptions to the weekend programme. Medical staff, under the auspices of Chief Medical Officer Enrique Gastaldi, were more than equal to the demands made of them over a very busy four days. The circuit medical team and the Clinica Mobile cooperated throughout the weekend.

Cooperation with the teams has always been excellent, from the welcome party at the first ever GP in 1999 through until today. The circuit organisation offer the teams safe guarded motorhome and vehicle parking between the Estoril and Valencia races, while the teams are performing outside Europe. Track preparation, race direction and the race marshals were top class.

The Circuit Director and Chairman of the organisation, Jose-Maria Oltra, presided over one of the smoothest running events of the season, supported at every turn by his tireless, unruffled staff.

Away from the actual racing cooperation and assistance from paddock and media staff was unfailing, for all competitors and team staff in need of help. Circuit access and parking is both smooth and effortless. On-event facilities are the equal of any encountered on the 16 MotoGP race schedule. The reputation for hospitality the event has earned is considerably enhanced on the night of the race with the, now traditional, celebratory ‘End of season party.’

Last but certainly not least, the incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable crowds that flock to the circuit for the season finale. The amazing 120,000 capacity crowd that attended the race brought a special electrifying atmosphere to the event. Their enthusiasm was richly rewarded with a home win for Dani Pedrosa in the 125cc race, and a spectacular race long MotoGP battle between Alex Barros and Valentino Rossi.

IRTA President Sito Pons said of Valencia. “I think Valencia have done a great job. They should be congratulated on their performance, to win the ‘Best Grand Prix’ of the year award after organising only four grands prix is quite an achievement. Valencia’s success should work as an incentive to those race organisers who have yet to achieve the level that Valencia has.

“The track is safe, and the medical services are good. The people who work at the race are always friendly and very helpful. All the grand prix teams and riders appreciate what Valencia has provided for them, excellent facilities from the paddock and pit boxes through to the hospitality suites. The arena style lay-out of the circuit also gives the team staff the opportunity to enjoy the racing as much as the enthusiastic crowd,” Pons concluded.

Valencia topped the poll ahead of multiple trophy winners Mugello, with Catalunya, the 2001 IRTA Trophy holder in third place.

IRTA Trophy Roll of Honour
1984 Silverstone / GB
1985 Hockenheim / Germany
1986 Nurburgring / Germany
1987 Assen / Netherlands
1988 Suzuka / Japan
1989 Donington Park / GB
1990 Jerez / Spain
1991 Donington Park / GB
1992 Catalunya / Spain
1993 Eastern Creek / Australia
1994 1994 Eastern Creek / Australia
1995 Mugello / Italy
1996 Mugello / Italy
1997 Mugello / Italy
1998 Phillip Island / Australia
1999 Brno / Czech Republic
2000 Mugello / Italy
2001 Catalunya / Spain
2002 Valencia / Spain

From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship Presented By Parts Unlimited
62nd Daytona 200 by Arai – March 5-10, 2003
Daytona International Speedway – Purse $192,500

Chevy Trucks Superbike
TOTAL PURSE = $140,000
(Includes $25,000 Arai Bonus & $2,000 Front Row Qualifying Bonus)

The rider earning the Pole Position for the 2003 Daytona 200 by Arai will be awarded a limited edition Rolex Daytona.

FRONT ROW QUALIFYING BONUS
1. $1,000
2. $500
3. $300
4. $200

RACE PURSE = $138,000
1. $16,000
2. $10,500
3. $7,500
4. $6,500
5. $5,500
6. $4,500
7. $4,300
8. $4,100
9. $3,900
10. $3,700
11. $3,500
12. $3,400
13. $3,300
14. $3,200
15. $3,100
16. $2,900
17. $2,800
18. $2,700
19. $2,600
20. $2,500
21. $2,350
22. $2,250
23. $2,150
24. $2,050
25. $1,950
26. $1,800
27. $1,700
28. $1,600
29. $1,500
30. $1,400
31. $1,100
32. $1,000
33. $950
34. $900
35. $800
Positions 36-40 = $750 each
Positions 41-45 = $700 each
Positions 46-50 = $600 each
Positions 51-55 = $500 each
Positions 56-60 = $350 each
Positions 61-65 = $250 each
Positions 66-70 = $200 each
Positions 71-75 = $150 each
Positions 76-80 = $100 each

MBNA 250 Grand Prix
TOTAL PURSE = $25,000
1. $5,000
2. $3,100
3. $2,300
4. $1,800
5. $1,550
6. $1,400
7. $1,275
8. $1,200
9. $1,050
10. $950
11. $875
12. $800
13. $725
14. $650
15. $575
16. $500
17. $425
18. $350
19. $275
20. $200


Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport
TOTAL PURSE = $17,500

1. $1,700
2. $1,400
3. $1,150
4. $900
5. $800
6. $750
7. $700
8. $650
9. $600
10. $550
11. $500
12. $450
13. $400
14. $375
15. $325
16. $300
17. $275
18. $250
19. $225
20. $200
Positions 21-40 = $150 each
Positions 41-60 = $100 each


Suzuki Genuine Accessories Superstock
TOTAL PURSE = $10,000

1. $1,500
2. $1,200
3. $900
4. $700
5. $650
6. $600
7. $525
8. $475
9. $425
10. $400
11. $375
12. $350
13. $325
14. $300
15. $275
16. $250
17. $225
18. $200
19. $175
20. $150


2003 AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS

Chevy Trucks Superbike Championship Bonus
$120,000

MBNA 250 Grand Prix Championship Bonus
$10,000

Pro Honda Oils U.S. Supersport Championship Bonus
$24,000

Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Championship Bonus
$35,000

Lockhart Phillips USA Formula Xtreme Championship Bonus
$15,000

From a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Miguel Duhamel Wins Fourth Daytona 200 By Arai

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., — Canadian Miguel Duhamel edged out his Honda teammates Ben Bostrom and Kurtis Roberts to capture the 62nd Daytona 200 By Arai on Monday at Daytona International Speedway.

Bostrom, Roberts and Duhamel, all riding factory Honda RC51s, were running nose-to-tail in the final laps of the 57-lap race.

On the final lap exiting the chicane, the 34-year-old Duhamel passed Roberts in NASCAR Turn 3 and then ducked underneath Bostrom coming out of NASCAR Turn 4 to nip him at the start/finish line by a tire.

The margin of victory was .069 seconds.

“It looked like I was getting Ben, but I was fearing for Kurtis to come around and get our double draft,” Duhamel said. “When I finally crossed the line and won, ‘I was like holy cow, I just won again.’ I was so happy. It’s so hard to win this race. It’s just so hard and I’m so pleased.”

Bostrom, who was competing in his first race back in the United States after three seasons overseas in World Superbike, was a sitting duck leading coming out of the chicane and did all he could to fend off his Honda teammates.

“I thought they were right behind me, so I downshifted into first to try and throw them off a little bit,” said Bostrom about his entry into the chicane. “Then I really tried to accelerate and get a good drive on the exit there. We didn’t have much tire left.

“It just didn’t pan out. The guys rode really well and set me up perfectly. If I had to take it over I’d just try and get through it the best I could and get a little more engine speed and hope that would give us a couple thousands to win this thing.”

Duhamel’s fourth Daytona 200 victory puts him second on the wins list behind Scott Russell’s five victories. Duhamel’s average race speed of 113.839 mph eclipsed the previous record of 113.631 mph set by Mat Mladin in 2000.

Honda’s sweep of the podium is the first time a motorcycle manufacturer has swept the top three finishing positions of the Daytona 200 since 1985 when Honda riders Freddie Spencer, Wes Cooley and Jeff Haney landed on the podium.

Another rider celebrating a victory of his own was Rick Shaw, who after completing Lap 2 broke the Daytona 200 mileage record formerly held by Warren Sherwood.

“It was an exciting lap,” said Shaw, whose first Daytona 200 was in 1981 and now has turned 3,365.48 miles. “I felt it. Finally, the weight was lifted off me after the second lap and I could go out and race. I put some much pressure on myself to get this done.”

The top finishing privateer in the Daytona 200 was Floridian Michael Barnes, who came home in eighth-position aboard the No. 34 Suzuki.


Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock: Tommy Hayden, riding the No. 22 Kawasaki, nipped Lee Acree at the checkered flag by .009-second to capture his first victory at Daytona.

Hayden threw out the theory of being a sitting duck when leading out of the chicane as he was able to hold off Acree at the start/finish line in what was a thrilling Superstock race.

“I knew it would be close,” Hayden said.

Said Acree: “I thought I got him, but that’s not what the screen said when I got back around.”

Rounding out the podium was Eric Wood aboard a Suzuki.

The victory was Hayden’s first at Daytona. His brother Nicky Hayden captured the 2002 Daytona 200 By Arai.

Motorcycles return to Daytona International Speedway for Fall Cycle Scene on Oct. 16-19. For tickets and more information, log on to http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

More, from a press release issued by OMS:

Ducati Austin’s Anthony Gobert Leads Daytona 200 Before Retiring

Pre-race mishap forces Ducati Austin to field its ‘back up’ bike, which an undeterred Anthony “Go Show” Gobert promptly put into the lead

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 10, 2003) – Though Ducati Austin’s initial race of the 2003 AMA/Chevy Trucks Superbike season at Daytona International Speedway didn’t end up as planned, the team comes away from the Daytona 200 knowing full and well the Ducati 998RS03 and pilot Anthony Gobert will be highly competitive on the American superbike circuit this year.

“Despite the final results, it was a very positive outing for the Ducati Austin team,” said Ducati Austin Crew Chief Vic Fasola of the team’s DNF at the rain-delayed superbike season opener. “Any time you can take your ‘B’ bike at a race of this caliber – at the start of a season with a new team – and put it up front in the lead, you know you’re going to be a threat to win all year long.”

Just moments prior to the race, somebody had bumped into Gobert’s front brake lever and more or less broke it. Said Fasola: “We couldn’t change it in time.” So Gobert was forced to go with Ducati Austin’s back up bike.

“Anthony got out of the gate a bit slow, but adjusted quite rapidly to the back up bike,” added Fasola. “In theory, it should have been exactly the same as the primary bike. But ask any rider and they’ll tell you it’s not at all the same.”

After starting in ninth position, Gobert put on a masterful ride, working the Ducati 998RS03 through the pack and into the lead by lap nine – pulling away on the Daytona high banks from the eventual podium finishers and leading through lap 14 of the 57-lap race.

Gobert would settle into second place for the next several laps, then came in for a scheduled pit stop on Lap 19. Upon re-entering the track the bike suffered a “yet-to-be-determined” mechanical failure.

Said Fasola: “We’ll look into what happened this week, make any necessary corrections and come back to Fontana (Calif., April 4-6) stronger than ever. Anthony and the 998RS03 proved today they can run with the leaders and be a constant force to win races in this series. And we’re going to work very hard as a team to see that he does just that.”

Noteworthy: Gobert’s best lap time of 1:50.098 was the seventh fastest of the day, less than a second off the fastest lap time.

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

AMA Superbike Point Standings:

1. Miguel Duhamel, 37
2. Ben Bostrom, 33
3. Kurtis Roberts, 29
4. Aaron Yates, 27
5. Eric Bostrom, 26
6. Mat Mladin, 25
7. Ben Spies, 24
8. Michael Barnes, 23
9. Jason Pridmore, 22
10. Shawn Higbee, 21
11. Andrew Deatherage, 20
12. Larry Pegram, 19
13. Jack Pfeifer, 18
14. Sandor Bitter, 17
15. Ricky Orlando, 16
16. Vincent Haskovec, 15
17. James Randolph, 14
18. Warwick Nowland, 13
19. Mike Ciccotto, 12
20. Geoff May, 11
21. Thomas Montano, 10
22. Akiharu Shigeno, 9
23. Michael Rouleau, 8
24. John Jacobi, 7
25. C.R. Gittere, 6
26. Dean Mizdal, 5
27. Brett Ray, 4
28. Rich Conicelli, 3
29. Tom Wertman, 2
30. Rick Shaw, 1

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

Kawasaki’s Tommy Hayden won the AMA Superstock race at Daytona International Speedway on a 636cc Kawasaki ZX-6R. Hayden made a break in the infield on the last lap, was able to put a lapped rider between himself and his pursuers in the west horseshoe, led into and through the chicane, and was able to hold on by 0.009-second at the line over Arclight Suzuki’s Lee Acree.

Acree was fourth into the chicane on the last lap and drafted Barden Bearing’s Eric Wood and Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Steve Rapp to get up to second. Wood drafted by Rapp for third at the line.

Hooters Suzuki teammates Vincent Haskovec and Mike Ciccotto, Corona Extra Suzuki’s Adam Fergusson, Hayden’s teammate Tony Meiring (on another Kawasaki ZX-6R), Yamaha YZF-R6-mounted Jason DiSalvo (from the 50th starting position, with a hand deeply bruised in a crash last week) and Rapp’s teammate Matt Furtek finished fifth through 10th, respectively.

The race was a very exciting battle with as many as 11 riders fighting at the front, and seven riders exchanged the lead all the way until the end.

Attack Suzuki’s Jason Pridmore led several laps before having a moment and running off in turn one in the second half of the race.

Pridmore’s teammate Josh Hayes ran at the front but was called in for a stop-and-go for jumping the start and eventually finished 11th.

Team Valvoline EMGO Suzuki’s Chris Ulrich bounced back from a bruising crash in qualifying to take 12th.

Defending AMA Superstock Champion Jimmy Moore ran straight at turn one off the start and worked back up to finish 15th.


AMA Superstock Race Results:

1. Tommy Hayden, Kawasaki ZX-6R, 15 laps
2. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, -0.009 second
3. Eric Wood, Suzuki GSX-R750, -0.098 second
4. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, -0.209 second
5. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1.410 seconds
6. Mike Ciccotto, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1.412 seconds
7. Adam Fergusson, Suzuki GSX-R750, -1.436 seconds
8. Tony Meiring, Kawasaki ZX-6R, -7.576 seconds
9. Jason DiSalvo, Yamaha YZF-R6, -12.059 seconds
10. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, -12.067 seconds
11. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 12.135 seconds
12. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, -16.839 seconds
13. Scott Greenwood, Suzuki GSX-R750, -17.387 seconds
14. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R750, -17.424 seconds
15. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, -20.769 seconds
16. Brian Stokes, Suzuki GSX-R750, -21.656 seconds
17. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, -22.421 seconds
18. Rich Conicelli, Suzuki GSX-R750, -22.426 seconds
19. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R750, -25.721
20. John Haner, Suzuki GSX-R750, -25.779
21. Hawk Mazzotta, Suzuki GSX-R750, -37.941 seconds
22. J.J.Roetlin, Suzuki GSX-R750, -38.458 seconds
23. Jason Peters, Suzuki GSX-R750, -39.592 seconds
24. Jake Holden, Suzuki GSX-R750, -46.823 seconds
25. Justin Blake, Suzuki GSX-R750, -51.131 seconds
26. Kevin Pate, Suzuki GSX-R750, -60.006 seconds
27. Dave Estok, Buell, -84.708 seconds
28. C.R. Gittere, Suzuki GSX-R750, -103.131 seconds
29. Tom Wertman, Suzuki GSX-R750, -106.457 seconds
30. Eric Haugo, Suzuki GSX-R750, -119.641 seconds
31. Crash Chris Lowe, Suzuki GSX-R750, -119.682 seconds
32. Michael Hanley, Suzuki GSX-R750, 14 laps
33. David Alley, Suzuki GSX-R750, 14 laps
34. Andrew Nelson, Honda CBR600RR, 14 laps
35. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 13 laps
36. Michael McAllister, Yamaha YZF-R6, 9 laps
37. Michael Hannas, Suzuki GSX-R750, 8 laps
38. Chris Peris, Honda CBR600F4i, 6 laps
39. John Dugan, Suzuki GSX-R750, 4 laps
40. Ottis Lance, Moto Guzzi, 4 laps

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Superbikes took to the track at Daytona as scheduled, for a short practice starting at 10:00 a.m.

The sun is still shining.

Based on the last week at Daytona, that’s big news.

In the Superbike practice session, Mat Mladin was fastest, followed by the Bostrom brothers. Times follow:

1. Mat Mladin, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:48.843
2. Eric Bostrom, Kawasaki ZX-7RR, 1:49.858
3. Ben Bostrom, Honda RC-51, 1:50.184
4. Shawn Higbee, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:50.251
5. Miguel Duhamel, Honda RC-51, 1:50.607
6. Kurtis Roberts, Honda RC-51, 1:50.682
7. Ben Spies, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:51.070
8. Anthony Gobert, Ducati 998RS, 1:51.078
9. Aaron Yates, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:51.362
10. Jason Pridmore, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:51.747
11. Michael Barnes, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:52.619
12. Steve Rapp, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:52.813
13. Larry Pegram, Ducati 998RS, 1:52.840
14. Josh Hayes, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:53.543
15. Jordan Szoke, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:53.640
16. Vincent Haskovec, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:53.857
17. Brian Livengood, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:53.906
18. Geoff May, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:54.057
19. Jimmy Moore, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:54.258
20. Lee Acree, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:54.479
21. Warwick Nowland, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:54.481
22. Andy Deatherage, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:54.656
23. Chris Caylor, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.202
24. James Randolph, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:55.298
25. Chris Ulrich, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.406
26. Matt Furtek, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:55.413
27. Scott Harwell, Suzuki GSX-R750, 1:56.144
28. Akiharu Shigeno, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:56.302
29. Sandor Bitter, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:56.662
30. Scott Jenson, Suzuki GSX-R1000, 1:56.764

Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

Rick Shaw is the new holder of the Daytona 200 career mileage record.

Shaw covered 52 laps and finished 30th in today’s Daytona 200.

More, from a press release issued by Daytona International Speedway:

Rick Shaw Sets New Daytona 200 Mileage Record

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., — While he didn’t make the podium in today’s Daytona 200 By Arai, Rick Shaw accomplished a feat no other rider in the Daytona 200 ever has. Shaw set a new Daytona 200 mileage record after completing 52 laps in the 62nd running of the Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

Shaw, a police officer from Miami, Fla., eclipsed the standing record of 3,187 miles set by Warren Sherwood. Entering today’s race, Shaw stood at 3,180 miles, but after his 30th-place finish, Shaw stands at 3,365.48 miles.

“I wanted to celebrate (on the record breaking lap) but I was trying to keep my head down,” said Shaw, rider of the No. 79 Suzuki. “I tried to get my hand up there and I just about lost it on the second lap trying to celebrate. Boy, was that stupid. I put my head back down and went for it. It was an exciting lap. I felt it. Finally, the weight was lifted off me after the second lap and I could go out and race. I put some more pressure on myself to get this done.”

Shaw’s first Daytona 200 By Arai start in 1981. Through the years Shaw has fallen in love with the heritage of the Speedway, which makes the record a special moment in his life.

“I love it. I’m very proud to be listed with the veterans and the pros, the people who made this sport the greatest sport in the world. It’s a honor. I hope I can live up to their image.”

From a press release issued by Foggy Petronas Racing:

Foggy PETRONAS Racing pays tribute to Barry Sheene

Carl Fogarty and his Foggy PETRONAS Racing team today paid tribute to racing icon Barry Sheene, who died today aged 52 after a seven-month battle against cancer.

Carl said: “It’s a sad day for British motorcycle racing. He was the biggest household name that the sport has created here in Britain. Even though there had been other British world champions before him, he was the first person to make that cross-over from racer to celebrity.

“Barry lived life to the absolute full and he did more in his 52 years than most people would in 100 years. But, as well as the lifestyle, he was also a great racer, as his two world titles prove.

“He did a lot to bring the sport to the attention of the British public, especially with those two big crashes at Daytona and Silverstone, which were shown on the News at Ten. People still come up to me and think that I used to race against Barry, even though he retired so long ago, which is a measure of how well known he still is even to a new generation of fans.

“We always got on fine and had a laugh whenever we met up, even if we might have done a bit of verbal sparring in public! My sympathies go out to his wife and children.”

FPR rider Troy Corser added: “He’ll be sadly missed by many fans and friends, including Sam and I. Barry introduced the two of us in 1994 whilst I was testing and Sam worked for Sky TV, and we’ve been together ever since, so I owe him a great deal for his involvement in my early career and my future with Sam.

“He was a big inspiration on my career and he found me the chance to come to Europe, start my career and be successful at what I’d always wanted to do as a youngster.

“Whilst it’s great to be going back to Australia to race later this month, I don’t think this year will now have quite the same upbeat feel as in the past due to Barry’s loss. He didn’t come to England often so it was always good to catch up with him once a year in Oz. Our thoughts and love are with his family and friends.”

FPR team-mate James Haydon added: “Although I did not know Barry personally, everyone knows his name and he was a great ambassador for the sport. He was a motorcycling legend and enjoyed a fantastic career.”



(Note: Sheene is survived by his wife, Stephanie, and two teenage children, daughter Sidonie and son Freddie.)