It is a very, very sad day today hearing about the loss of Barry Sheene, a close personal friend of both mine and Sam's, and her family.
I have a great deal to be thankful to Barry for, both on and off the track. He was very instrumental in introducing me to the Castiglioni's (the then bosses of Ducati) after I had won the Australian Superbike title, and accompanied me to many of my first international races for Ducati. First we went to Daytona, where I finished 2nd with the Ferracci team and then onto Donington Park where I had my first taste of World Superbike action. This is where he made me the introduction of a lifetime.... to Sam!!! Barry often reminded me that this was the greatest accolade he could give me, introducing me to his best friend's daughter. It meant he felt I was good enough!!! Sam's mum, Linda, has been best friends with Barry and Steph Sheene for many years and was just out visiting them January of this year. From toddler to teens, it was with them that Sam would share all her Christmas holidays. In fact, some of the Sheene Christmas traditions still run true in our household today! Sam insists we all open our Xmas stockings from Santa in the morning and wait until the afternoon for our presents. It's the way they used to do it! And how many young girls could claim to being a regular passenger in the victory car at Donington Park when one of racings greatest legends had won the race?!
Its hard not to smile when you think back to happy times and fond memories of Barry but so sad to think that we will not see him again. He has had a tough fight against throat and stomach cancer and today we are proud to have known Barry, sad in our loss yet thankful that now he is no longer in pain. Our most sincere wishes go out to Steph and their children, Sidonie and Freddie, and all the family. I am certain that the rest of the world will join me in saying that it is a deep loss of a wonderful personality, and way too early. It will be wierd at Phillip Island this year as I will almost be expecting him walk into the pitbox as always, with his cheery smile and chat and that infamous greeting... "alright Ace".
In loving memory of a true legend... Barry Sheene.
