Goodwood’s 2026 Barry Sheene celebrations kick off at the 83rd Members’ Meeting

This year the Members’ Meeting will feature its first ever motorcycle demonstration to showcase ‘The Sheene Years’, with a collection of 20-30 Grand Prix bikes from the era of Sheene’s 500cc career which spanned from 1974-1984. 

Barry Sheene was a phenomenon of motorcycle culture during the 1970s and throughout the rest of his life. His unique approach to racing endeared him to everyone, and his popularity helped to bring two-wheeled Grand Prix racing to a new global audience. 

Much like his contemporary James Hunt, whom we will also be celebrating at the Members’ Meeting, Sheene’s playboy lifestyle was a major draw for fans who followed him as much as they followed the sport of motorcycle racing. 

He rose to prominence alongside Hunt at a time when motorsport was just beginning to make its way onto televisions all over the world, and his roguish charisma attracted a massive fandom the likes of which had rarely been seen before. 

Goodwood will embrace those two great characters simultaneously across the weekend and rekindle the peak of 1970s British motorsport with atmospheric celebrations both on the Motor Circuit and in the paddocks. 

Despite his initial interests in engineering and engine tuning, Sheene was recognised as a talented rider at an early age, and his father entered him into his first race in 1968 when he was just 17 years old. 

It wasn’t long until he claimed his first race victory at Brands Hatch, but at that time Sheene was still focused on working as an engineer. It was only later, after travelling around Europe with another rider, that he decided to forge his own racing career. 

After getting up to speed on 125cc and 250cc machinery, he graduated to 500cc competition in 1974, but a series of accidents stifled his progress as he missed large chunks of the 1974 and ‘75 seasons. 

By the mid-1970s, the popularity of motorcycle racing was waning after a prolonged period of dominance by MV Agusta, which claimed the World Championship every year between 1958 and 1974 with John Surtees, Gary Hocking, Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read. 

When the young and exciting Sheene arrived with the upstart Suzuki team, he immediately struck a chord with a fatigued fanbase. 

After a tough start at the pinnacle of Grand Prix racing, he finally managed to string together a relentless run of form in 1976 to dominate the World Championship and claim the title with three races to spare. Satisfied with his season’s work, Sheene voiced his concerns about the safety of what he called ‘old-school’ race circuits and opted to skip the final three rounds. 

Returning as the reigning Champion in 1977, he continued where he left off by winning the opening race of the season after a race-long duel with Yamaha’s Steve Baker, solidifying his position as the best in the field. 

By that time Sheene had become a global megastar, and he used his newfound influence to try and affect real change in his sport. Once again showcasing his passion for improved safety, he led a riders’ strike at the following round in Austria following a fatal accident in the 350cc race. 

He went on to win five of the next six races to claim a second successive title and confirm himself as one of the all-time greats of motorcycle racing. His legacy remains as strong today as when he was racing 50 years ago, and the name Barry Sheene continues to inspire new generations of riders and fans who are to this day entranced by his skill on a bike. 

‘The Barry Sheene Years’ will take centre stage on both days of the 83^rd Members’ Meeting, giving us a chance to enjoy the sight of a full field of 1970s and ‘80s 500cc bikes roaring into life around the Goodwood Motor Circuit. 

The 83^rd Members' Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport takes place on the 18^th & 19^th April 2026. Tickets are on sale now for GRRC Members and Fellows, with Saturday and weekend passes now limited.

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Main image courtesy of Getty Images.