Why Barry Sheene Medal has extra meaning for Feeney

Broc Feeney has paid tribute to father Paul after receiving Supercars' prestigious Barry Sheene Medal.

Now voted on by the public, the Barry Sheene Medal was first awarded in 2003 following the motorcycling great and popular motorsport broadcaster's death.

Recipients of the Barry Sheene Medal include Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, Scott McLaughlin and Marcos Ambrose.

Feeney became the latest recipient amid a sparkling run of wins at the Supercars Gala Awards, and shared on the night that his father and Sheene were friends, and that the connection runs deeper than racing.

Paul Feeney himself was a motorcycle racer, and grew close to Sheene through the years. Sheene passed away in 2003, a year after Broc was born.

“This one means a lot. Not many people know, but my dad was pretty much best mates with Barry," the Triple Eight star said after receiving the medal.

"Freddie, his son, worked for dad and was about 10 years older, he was like a big brother for me growing up and I spent my young years racing motorbikes.

"I came to the my first Supercars Gala in 2019 when I won the Super3 championship, and I remember the Barry Sheene Medal being called out that night.

"I can't thank all the fans enough. This is as special as it gets for me."

Family is everything for Feeney — his parents Paul and Sue Feeney are their son’s biggest supporters, and are regulars trackside. Feeney also took his grandmother onto the podium in Ipswich.

Amid the heartbreak of his championship defeat, Feeney singled out his father, adding: “This one's for Dad. He can keep this medal.

"He's been on this ride with me from day one, and is obviously the reason that I'm here today.

"I'm so thankful for everything that you've done for me and yeah, I'm sure he'd be pretty chuffed that we got this."

Barry Sheene Medal winners