Barry Sheene gets the feel of a Formula One car - in preparation for next year?
It really does seem that the 26-year-old defending champion just can't win where some of the "fans" are concerned. If he wins, like he did last year, then people say it's boring and that he must have a better machine than anyone else.
If, like this year, he loses three or four races then to many he is finished and is on his way out. "For some people I just can't seem to do anything right", He grins.
As he sets out to get fit and strong for the fight that lays ahead over the next three months, Barry faces the day-to-day pressures that come when you are a champion.
"If I am in England for four days then you can bet your life I've got things to do for four days, there's so little time to really call your own. A day with Faberge, doing posters for Texaco, the list of engagements seems never ending", said Barry who sneaked off for a short holiday during the TT when nobody was looking.
"Yes, I must agree the pressures are a bit stronger than many people imagine", says Barry. "But I suppose I would not have it any other way. If I could win the championship it would be worth going through it all again".
The big question is will Barry be back to either defend or retrieve his title in 1979? The big answer is, "I really don't know what I will be doing".
So it looks as though we shall have to wait for at least another month before we find out if the "car racing for Sheene next year predictions" are correct.
