Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy

... which was the feature event at the recent Goodwood Revival in the UK. Bikes lining up on the grid included Italian exotica such as a 1948 Gilera Saturno, and various BMWs, tackling Brit favourites such as the Norton Manx and Dominator, BSA Gold Star, Triumph T110 and Vincent Comet Grey Flash.

These sports bikes from yesteryear were ridden by many top names from the more recent past, including 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner, eight-time TT winner Charlie Williams and Imola 200 winner Paul Smart. They were joined by fast men from the modern era including James Haydon, Jeremy McWilliams and Steve Brogan.

The event was decided by aggregate timing with races held on Saturday and Sunday. Each owner-rider was paired up with a mutually agreeable professional racer, and both rode in each race, changing over in the pits around half distance. The Le Mans-style running start was a feature that created excitement for both spectators and competitors alike.

Ian Bain and Steve Brogan claimed overall honours in the Trophy, but all eyes were on 1987 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner, who put on a show of class riding, passing many competitors, slip streaming Jeremy McWilliams and even performing a high side slide for the crowd.

Source: JUST BIKES, November 2010, Issue #257