Barry Sheene - RIP

aidan_dunne

I've just heard on TV3 the sad news that former 500c.c. World Motorcycling Champion Barry Sheene has lost his battle with cancer. He was just 52.

He had been due to wave the chequered flag at yesterday's Formula 1 Grand Prix but his illness had gotten significantly worse lately and had to pull out.

As far as I know, Sheene had decided to reject chemotherapy and battle it out himself when he was diagnosed as having throat and stomach cancer last year. Known for being a real fighter when he was racing, everybody felt his strong will and determination would win out. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.

The world of motorsport has lost a fantastic character. Anybody who followed his career will know, I'm sure, the great stories about Sheene, one of the last of the great true motorsport playboys.

Still, I'm sure we can all take comfort in the fact that he's probably up there drinking and chasing after girls along with his mate James Hunt.

Barry Sheene - 500c.c World Motorcycle Champion 1976 & 1977- RIP

Dcully

Well said Aidan, i was gonna post here also.
Its a sad day for Motorsport,with any motorsport site ive visited today paying respects such was the man.
What a character and a hugely liked man.
In a touching moment on tv earlier there was a clip of Sheene and Valentino Rossi sharing a joke astride Rossis GP bike last year.

RIP- Barry a true Legend.

aidan_dunne

Apparantly, Brands Hatch are now going to rename the Dingle Dell Chicane (you know, the one out the back on the Grand Prix circuit where the cars tend to get airborne. Pretty cool to watch, actually!) in rememberance of Barry Sheene. It will now be known as "Sheene Curves."