Goodwood will celebrate Barry Sheene at three major events this year

British motorcycle racing legend Barry Sheene is set to be celebrated at three major Goodwood motorsport events in 2026, a year which marks the 50th anniversary of his first 500cc world championship win. 

It will be the first time ever that Goodwood has celebrated a rider, or driver, at three of its headline motorsport events. They include the 83rd Members’ Meeting (18–19 April), the Festival of Speed (9–12 July) and Goodwood Revival (18–20 September).

Sheene won the 500cc world title in back-to-back years (1976 and 1977), and was a fan-favourite for much of his career. His world championship wins both came with Suzuki, and he remains the last Brit to win the 500cc/MotoGP title. 

Sheene, who was awarded an MBE for his services to motorcycle racing in 1978, won a total of 19 races in the premier class, and 23 overall (including his three 125cc victories and solitary 50cc victory in 1971).

To celebrate the British legend, Goodwood’s 83rd Members’ Meeting will feature up to 30 different 500cc Grand Prix motorcycles that were raced during Sheene’s career (1974–1984). The line-up will feature bikes he rode, as well as those raced against him. 

The celebration of Sheene’s career will run alongside a tribute to 1976 Formula 1 World Champion James Hunt, and the weekend will put an emphasis on bringing the spirit of 1970s motorsport to life, with cars and bikes from that period. 

Following that, the Festival of Speed will welcome Sheene’s family and include 10 of the most significant Grand Prix bikes from his career. Sheene’s son, Freddie, is expected to ride several of his father’s most famous bikes up the Goodwood Hill.

The celebrations will come to a close at the Goodwood Revival in September, with Sheene’s championship‑winning bikes set to appear on the Motor Circuit ahead of the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy race. It will also feature machines he rode to victory at the Revival.

A former professional motorcycle racer and friend of Sheene’s, Steve Parrish spoke about the upcoming celebration, saying: 

“It's been said 'never meet your heroes', but thank goodness I did! I met Barry Sheene in 1975 at Brands Hatch. Barry became my mentor, father, brother and mate all rolled into one. We became teammates with Suzuki in 1977 and what a wild, crazy, dangerous ride it became. 

“Some say I was often in the Sheene slipstream, maybe so, but what a tow it was. I will never forget it and will always appreciate the memories, the man, my hero. R.I.P Bazza I hope I get in your team in the upper paddock!”

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