Barry Sheene to be commemorated at Castle Coombe in 2019
Britain’s last Grand Prix motorcycle champ is to be remembered at special events in August and September next year
ONE OF BRITAIN’S GREATEST motorcycle racers, the legendary Barry Sheene, will be commemorated at the West Country’s biggest motorcycle race meeting, the Castle Combe Grand National, which takes place at the Wiltshire track on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September 2019.
Sheene, who went on to win the 1976 and 1977 500cc World Championship, took victory at Castle Combe aboard his Bultaco back in 1969, so plans are afoot to celebrate his 50-year association with the circuit as well as his extraordinary career with displays and parades exclusively to do with Barry and his bikes over the years.
As well as his closest friend Steve Parrish, who is hoping to return to Castle Combe after being a guest of honour at this year’s prestigious event, various members of Barry’s family along with colleagues, friends and indeed rivals hope to attend this unique celebration, with lots of initial interest being shown.
In addition to the Sheene commemorations, there will be the usual packed programme of racing organised by NG Road Racing Club and featuring a number of major championships over the weekend. With some of the best club race action in the country which always leads to packed grids, Race Director Steve Bostock and his team will once again deliver an end of summer feast which last year included some fantastic racing over the weekend.
Other attractions are planned for the weekend of festivities and organisers will be announcing these in due course, but there is another two-wheeled race meeting for race fans to slot into their diaries before then.
April 6/7th will see another throwback to yesteryear when the Classic Motorcycle Racing Club (CRMC) make a first visit to Castle Combe. With a rich heritage over the past 65 years, the 1.85-mile track is delighted to be hosting such a meeting which will see packed grids for the various classes featuring machines from the Classic era (1945-1972), Post Classic (1973-1986) as well as sidecars.
Further exciting news will be announced in due course and for further information, please contact Katie Slade or Tom Davis at the circuit on 01249 782417 or email Katie/Tom@castlecombecircuit.co.uk. Dates for the 2019 Castle Combe bike track days will be announced shortly so remember to check out www.bikesatcombe.com
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
