Published in the Daily Mirror - Saturday 20 April
GRAND Prix legend Barry Sheene has launched a vicious attack on Superbike hero Carl Fogarty. "Fogarty’s in a great position to do biking some good, but basically the bloke’s as thick as pig s***" said Sheene.Sheene went on to call the four times World Superbike Champion "a complete embarrassment" and accused him of having an ‘I disease’ – every other word being I, I, I, more popular, faster, better etc.
I rang Barry to see if he had any regrets on his outburst in this month’s edition of Bike Magazine. Although he wished Carl the best of British for his new venture with Foggy Petronas Racing, he stuck to his guns. "He just never says anything nice about anyone and he compares everyone to himself" said Sheene. "When he says stuff about blowing Mick Doohan away, well he wasn’t in the same league."
Foggy thought the view was harsh but says it’s simply the latest chapter in a feud between the two men. "Since I wrote that I didn’t rate him as a rider in my autobiography two years ago, he’s always saying stuff. I’ve rattled his cage. The problem is he’s jealous. No one knows who he is unless they are over 40."
It seems a shame that here is such dislike between the two, when both men are clearly ambassadors for the sport and bike fans have room in their hearts for two living legends.
Over the years there have been a lot of comparisons between the two riders but, as in any sport, it is difficult to compare different eras.
Fogarty is under scrutiny again, being compared with current world champion Troy Bayliss, who has won all of the first six Superbike races. "I’m surprised to be compared so early", said Fogarty. "I knew it would happen one day but I didn’t think this soon. Troy is a fantastic rider. I was the best of my time and he is the best now. He should definitely win this year."He may be wishing Bayliss well now but in just three months his own riders Troy Corser and James Haydon will be in the battle against the unstoppable Aussie.