Product Description

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, team mates and former rivals. Born in London's East End in 1950, Sheene was introduced to motor sport 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 full-time mechanic, to a works team racer, 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, appearing in the ITV show Just Amazing and in numerous TV commercials, making him a household name. On his retirement, he found fulfilment (and a friendlier climate for his battered body) in Brisbane as an expert motor sport commentator and an accomplished businessman. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2002 he shunned conventional treatments, preferring natural remedies, but died early in 2003. This is the complete portrait of perhaps the greatest circuit racer of them all.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #319795 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Review
'He's machismo on hot wheels, with irresistible cheek' Daily Telegraph

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 the Author
Stuart Barker was born in Galloway, Scotland and graduated from Strathclyde University in 1996. A lifelong motor racing fan, he worked at Motor Cycle News, first as a news reporter then as a feature writer and road tester. After four years, he became a freelance writer and has been published in many magazines including FHM, Superbike, Two Wheels Only and Biker. He has co-written books with Niall Mackenzie and Steve Hislop.

Customer Reviews

An uninspired biography.
This book was cobbled together in a hurry and it shows. Most of the anecdotes and comments I have read before, sometimes many years ago, in the motorcycling press. The author is a journalist for Motor Cycle News and most of his sourcing can be attributed to this. There is very little fresh material and no new insight into Barry Sheene's character. What saves the day are the exploits of Barry as his disasters and achievements are a totally engrossing tale in themselves; they would be entertaining and easy to listen to even if related by some drunken pub bore. What is really required here is some fresh sources and more insight into the thoughts of this charismatic man. The book is written in an accessible journalistic style and its format is mostly chronological. It is a bit difficult to recommend as motor cycle racing and Barry fans will have heard all this before and as a biography it can hardly be thought of as definitive. However, if you are new to motor cycle racing and have an interest in the racers of yester-year, and Barry is easily the most famous among them, then this book would be a useful addition to your bookshelf.

Fantastic reading!!!
I would first like to say, what a refreshing look at Barry Sheene's career. Not only was it not in chronological order, but it was grouped in a category fashion. Quite a refreshing change. I learned a lot more information on the 'GOD' Barry Sheene than i have read collectively throught other publications such as MCN etc... It is written in an accessible style which should appeal to knowledgeable fans and also people not so familiar with the life of Sheene. I am also aware that the author used to be a journalist for MCN but is no longer, AND WAS NOT AT THE TIME OF WRITING THIS BOOK!!! I would imagine the author would be legally bound not to use information he gained working for MCN. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who fancies a good read about a motorcycle LEGEND! (and he was ENGLISH!!!)

A great read!
Barry Sheen was an interesting fella, maybe the first motor cycle mega star? I watched him race many times & he always put a smile on my face. This book gives a great insite in to the man that was Barry Sheen! A top bloke & champion motor cyclist!