Barry Sheene

Born September 1950. Entered his first race in 1968 on a 125cc Bultaco. United Kingdom 125cc champion in 1969 and 1970, and debuted in World GP in 1970 on a Suzuki. In 1971 entered the World GP in three classes: 50cc, 125cc and 250cc, and achieved 2nd place in the 125cc class. The following year was signed by Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. (YMENV), Yamaha's sales company in Europe. Rode in the World GP 250/350cc classes, but his placement in the 250cc class was 13th and he achieved no points in the 350cc class. In 1973, switched to Suzuki and became the first champion in the FIM Cup F750. From 1974 rode in the World GP500. However, crashed in the 1975 Daytona 200 in the United States. Though he sustained serious, life-threatening injuries, returned to racing halfway through the season and notched up two wins. Then went on to win the World GP500 two years in a row (1976 and 1977).

From 1980 to 1982, returned to Yamaha. Along with Kenny Roberts, was charged with the task of taking back Yamaha's 500cc title, and in 1981 had a win in the Swedish GP and was ranked 4th. In 1982, was seriously injured during a UK Grand Prix practice ride and ended with a ranking of 5th. In 1984 (Suzuki), finally withdrew from racing. His rider's racing number 7 and the Donald Duck ensign on his helmet were his trademarks. Died in 2003.