Barry Sheene, 1950-2003: The Biography

This is the life story of the former world 500cc motorcycle champion, Barry Sheene - the Brit whose death-defying crashes and playboy lifestyle made him famous. It is written by the only journalist to have ridden on the roads with him, and features interviews with closest friends, teammates and former rivals. Born in London's East End 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 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. He achieved all 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.