Tonight, when the chequered flag falls on the Portuguese MotoGP,
21-year-old Australian whizz kid Casey Stoner might just be
crowned champion of the motorcycling world. If not tonight, then
it might be in Japan next week, or, even more dramatically, at
Phillip Island on October 14.
The title is his for the taking — not bad for a Hunter Valley kid
whose parents risked everything for his career seven years ago,
shifting the family to England, where they lived in a caravan while
the 14-year-old showed he was as impressive against Europe's
best young riders as he had been against Australia's.
But spectacular as his rise has been, this week the impish
Monaco-based ace has been keeping a lid on the excitement,
showing a trademark maturity beyond his years — just what
you'd expect from a young man who's already married,
celebrates his wins with his family and steers clear of nightclubs.
His father, Colin, says he's trying to make sure the highs aren't
too high, so the lows won't be too low.
"He's quite happy," Colin Stoner says. "He's been excited when
he's won a race, but he doesn't let it overpower him. The way he
sees it, he's just got another job coming up on Sunday."
Already fans are hoping he brings the title to — or wins it at —
Phillip Island. A month out from the Australian MotoGP, Australian
Grand Prix Corporation chief Drew Ward reports what he calls the
Casey Effect: general admission ticket sales are up 200 per cent
on this time last year, a fifth grandstand will be erected for the
first time, and VIP hospitality is being expanded to cope with
demand. click on ozzy go to the full story on the age.com.au
pic from motograndprix.it