Sidonie Sheene to ride in honour of her father Barry

Sidonie Sheene, daughter of the late British Motorcycle Legend Barry Sheene, will participate in the 10th Anniversary of the Barry Sheene Tribute Ride.

The Barry Sheene Tribute ride is an annual event where up to 1,000 fans meet to pay tribute to the World Champion rider at a dinner in Bairsndale before undertaking the pilgrimage to the Phillip Island Circuit ahead of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Barry was considered an honorary Australian after the Sheene family emigrated to the Gold Coast in the late 1980’s. He was widely known as a motorsport commentator, first at Channel Nine and then moving to current MotoGP broadcast partner, Network Ten.

Speaking from her home base in London, Sidonie said she was thrilled to be returning to Australia for the event.

“The ride has been a fantastic initiative to honour my father and I can’t wait to get back to Australia and get involved for the 10th anniversary tribute,” said Sheene.

“It is going to be an exhilarating and emotional experience, there are many people involved with the ride that knew Dad and I look forward to meeting them and hearing their stories.”

After the completion of the Barry Sheene Tribute Ride, Sidonie will attend the 2012 AirAsia Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the picturesque Phillip Island circuit.

Sheene will be joined in Australia by her partner Sam Lowes, himself a talented motorcyclist who competes in the World Supersport Championship.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott, is thrilled that Sidonie will be attending this year’s event.

“Barry was one of the great characters of MotoGP and he holds a special place in the hearts of Australians thanks to the time he spent living here,” he said.

“Each year the Barry Sheene Tribute Ride kicks off our fantastic event and it will be really memorable for everyone involved, to have Barry’s daughter Sidonie participating.”

For information or bookings for the Barry Sheene Tribute Dinner and Ride, click here.