Throwback Thursday: Aldana and Sheene Celebrate at the Race of the Year (1975)

Larry Lawrence | November 7, 2024

Two Suzuki Riders Had a Spirited Fight in the Prestigious British Road Race

In this week’s Throwback we wind back the time machine 49 years to September of 1975 and the British racing circuit of Mallory Park, which hosted the annual season-ending Race of the Year. This photo, taken by legendary Grand Prix photographer Jan Burgers, shows David Aldana (left) and Barry Sheene (right) celebrating together after the two Suzuki riders engaged in a great battle for the win in the prestigious event. It was no surprise to see Sheene running up front since he’d won the race the year before, but Aldana’s strong performance was an eye-opener for many British fans, who knew little of the American star prior to that point. Sheene eventually took victory, but Aldana made fast fans out of thousands of British road racing enthusiasts on hand that day.

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