Video: 2021 Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy Part 1 highlights | Goodwood Revival

17th September 2021

Laura Thomson

When did you last feel the intensifying pressure as you stood on the startline, waiting for the flag to drop before you sprint off the line? It’s been a hot minute for us mere mortals, but the racers of the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy annually rely on their explosive power in the race’s Le Mans start.

As the other half of their pro-am pairing holds the motorcycle, engine running, they throw themselves onboard and shoot on to the track like a rat out of a drainpipe. With less than half an hour out on track and a rider swap to factor in, every second counts.

Watch as famous names including James Haydon, Josh Brookes, Michael Dunlop and Jenny Tinmouth wrestle with the 60-year-old machines, pushing the circa 500cc engines to their absolute limits, while eking every inch of grip from the skinny tyres. Goodwood is an incredibly fast track for motorcycles and these riders aren’t holding back.

Crashing is an occupational hazard for racers, and no-one felt it more than David Tetley, who’s unfortunate highside almost took out race leader Steve Plater.

Ultimately, the Dunlop/Plater pairing held their cool, taking the Part 1 win after 17 laps. This is no time to get complacent, however, with Part 2 yet to unfold.