http://www.irishracephotography.com/phpB...f=7&t=3239

Frank Sheene dies, aged 96

Frank Sheene, father of the late Barry Sheene, has died at the age of 96.

Franco passed away peacefully at his home in Australia.

He spent the most of his life tuning and building bikes and helped Barry throughout his racing career.

Frank is survived by his daughter Maggie Smart, married to ex-racer Paul Smart and grandchildren Scott Smart (Current British Superbikes racer) and Paula Smart, and Barry's children, Sidonie and Freddie Sheene.

Franco Sheene was a maintenance man at the Royal College of Surgeons and also raced at the TT 5 times and MGP 4 times always on British machines. His brother Arthur was also a motorcycle racer.
This silent clip shows him working on Barry's bike.
http://kapitalmototv.co.uk/play-172-0.html

Well I can't believe Frank was 96 ! What a good long life he's had.
He'll be back spannering for Barry up there.
RIP

Isnt it amazing to find out that Franco had been alive for so long?!
He was a real part of the racing scene in those heady days of the late 60s, early 70s
Always there with Barry and clearly an excellent mechanic
The Bultaco connnection was a big part of Barrys racing career
I was a huge fan of Small Part in those days and wish the whole family all the strength
to cope with his passing
Quite a life indeed

RIP

Knew Frank in my racing days and what a helpful man he was Who could you find to lend you a pair of Bultaco forks at the 1965 TT.Franco of course.We were also in the same trade,hospital engineering.All passings are sad but I guess he had a good innings at 96 but shame he did'nt make the ton.
Condolances to family
RIP Frank Under the chequered flag

Unrelated, but does anyone know where the beautiful Stephanie was born & brought up?

PeterCourtney Wrote:Unrelated, but does anyone know where the beautiful Stephanie was born & brought up?

I heard she came from m'side area

I have come across a SHEENE Special in one of my TT books..

I assume it was one from Franks stable but who rode it ??

It was Bill Ivy Ian. 1963 50ccTT he came 7th.
Bill Ivy also came 5th at Brands in the same year on the Sheene Special.
But there was an earlier Sheen Special ridden by Franco in 1958 at Crystal Palace. This picture is of an 8 year old helping his dad.

If you would like a little more information on the sheene specials please look at http://www.classic50racingclub.co.uk/frank-sheene.html

A friend of mine, Ake Jakobsson born 1938 and dead 2003, was a good photographer who was at many races for motorbikes.
Here is a picture he shot in the paddock at the Swedish Grand Prix in Anderstorp 1971. Frank Sheene was there and here he is
discussing something with Swedish riders Borje Jansson left and Kurt Andersson right. The bike in front of them is Kurt's Bultaco
with a water cooled Maico 125cc engine.