McWilliams storms to victory in glamorous Goodwood Barry Sheene Memorial race
Goodwood Revival is the world’s biggest celebration of classic vehicles in the world.
From Fiat 500s, rare Aston Martin race bikes to Manx Nortons, the Goodwood Revival is the ultimate step back in time with visitors, riders and drivers encouraged to wear period costume from the 40s/50s/60s and fully indulge themselves in the atmosphere and glamour of the past.
Motorcycles form a small part of the event, but it’s still very much a massive race over the weekend of Goodwood Revival, and arguably one of the most exciting races of the weekend.
Named in honour of multiple Goodwood winner and GP legend Barry Sheene, The Barry Sheene Memorial Race attracts some of the biggest names in motorcycling to ride classic motorcycles in a two-part, two rider race with the winners made up of an aggregate result of both races.
The entry list is like the who’s who of motorcycling, including former three-times GP world champion Freddie Spencer, TV commentator and former GP racer Steve Parrish, TT winner Gary Johnson, female TT racer Maria Costello, and Grand Prix legend Jeremy McWilliams.
A newcomer to the race was former British Superbike racer Jenny Tinmouth.
After a spell with the official Honda BSB team, Tinmouth is now a Honda ambassador at events across the UK. It was Tinmouth’s first time at Goodwood and she was riding a 1966 Honda CR450 run by Hansen Racing, with team mate Chris Barfe. She’s also an ambassador of the charity, Dare to Be Different, a charity which aims to inspire and showcase female talent with the male-dominated motorsport industry.
Sadly, the bike blew up after qualifying on Friday, but the team managed to rebuild an engine making one out of two which wasn’t as highly tuned, but meant they could make the race.
Speaking to Honda ambassador Jenny before Saturday’s race, she was excited about getting the opportunity to race at Goodwood, she said: “It’s such a great atmosphere, and I’m so happy to be racing the 450. It’s a great little bike, and although it didn’t quite go to plan in qualifying we’re looking forward to the race.” Sadly, the bike expired in the second race, but the Hansen Honda team finished 21st overall.
The win was eventually taken by the epic team of Jeremy McWilliams and Duncan Fitchett on a beautifully prepared 1962 Manx Norton. Speaking before the race, multiple Goodwood Barry Sheene Memorial race winner, McWilliams who got pole in qualifying, It was a lucky lap, but all went to plan.”
His team mate Mick Grant set a blistering pace from the start of Sunday’s race, and the handed it over to McWilliams to creep up towards the podium, eventually finishing with an overall 13 second lead.
After taking victory in slippery conditions, a delighted McWilliams (with the traditional race winner’s cigar in his mouth) said: “After the way Saturday went we never expected this, we had a bit of a team brief yesterday and decided to pull out all the stops. When you’re up against guys who race these bikes all the time you have to really push the limit of these bikes and ride them over the edge.”
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