Barry Sheene 1950–2003: The Biography - Hardcover

Barker, Stuart

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007161808 ISBN 13: 9780007161805

Publisher: Willow, 2003

Synopsis

The definitive life story of the seventies world 500cc motorcycle champion Barry Sheene – the Brit whose death-defying crashes and playboy lifestyle made him the most famous bike racer on the planet. Written by the only journalist to have ridden on the roads with him, and featuring interviews with closest friends, teammates and former rivals.

Born in London’s Holborn district in 1950, Sheene was introduced to motorsport at the age of five, with his father Frank building him his first ever motorbike.

His story traces his humble beginnings as a maverick opposed to every educational influence, through an apprenticeship as a part-time rider and mechanic, to working for a number of privateer racers, with a host of diversions in pursuit of the opposite sex.

It charts his success between 1975 and 1982, a golden period during which Sheene won more international 500cc and 750cc Grand Prix titles than anyone, including the world 500cc title in 1976 and 1977. This despite the horrendous carnage from a series of near-fatal crashes from which Sheene miraculously survived and overcame, against all odds.

Outside the sport, Sheene discovered an acting talent in Covent Garden opera, the ITV show 'Just Amazing' , and in numerous TV commercials, making him a household name. On his retirement, he found fulfilment in Brisbane as an expert motorsport commentator and an accomplished businessman, despite the shock of being diagnosed with cancer in 2002.

This is the complete portrait of the greatest entreprenuer in motorcycle racing, perhaps the greatest circuit racer of them all.

About this title

Review:

‘He’s machismo on hot wheels, with irresistible cheek’ Daily Telegraph

‘One of the true greats of motorcycling ...and a such a personality with it’ Murray Walker

‘An absolute legend, the glamour boy of his era’ George Best

From the Publisher:

This is the complete portrait of the greatest entreprenuer in motorcycle racing, perhaps the greatest circuit racer of them all.
The final tribute to one of the most charismatic British sportsmen of his generation, including the last years of his life.
Contains many hitherto unknown stories about Sheene’s career, in particular his playboy lifestyle outside of racing.

About this edition

• Publisher: Willow
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0007161808
• ISBN 13: 9780007161805
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 336