For Anthony West, this will be his home round. Hailing from
Queensland's Gold Coast, the 26-year-old Australian has had a
stormy relationship with the Phillip Island circuit in the past,
seeing everything from the second step of the 250cc podium in
2003, to a horrendous, 267kmph, first corner crash in 2004.
Furthermore, he made his grand prix racing debut when he rode
in the 125cc world championship round there in 1998.
With the support of his home fans, and the unforgettable seventh
place at Motegi fresh in his mind, which he gained despite stalling
the bike and pitting twice, West will show no mercy in his
determination to demonstrate his talent at Sunday's 27-lap race.
Phillip Island itself is a legendary circuit with a history going back
to 1928. It boasts some spectacular ocean views as well as
having hosted some of motorcycle racing's greatest battles. The
4.45km track slithers its way through numerous turns, rounded
off by the super-quick, start/finish Gardner straight, named after
erstwhile Australian world champion, Wayne Gardner, who won
the first 500cc round to be held in his home country, at Phillip
Island, back in 1989. full story on antwest14.com