MotoGP Australia's Wizz Kid

Wild ride of a prodigy: the rise and rise of Casey Stoner
John Mangan

September 16, 2007

Riding high: Casey Stoner on his Ducati as he pursues a career that began in earliest childhood.Photo: REUTERS

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.

Fellow young Australian MotoGP rider Chris Vermuelen, currently sitting fourth in the championship, is loving the tension. "It's great to have a couple of Aussies up there racing so well," he says. "Casey has done a great job and I take my hat off to him. It's tremendous for the sport to have us both on the podium.

"I can't wait to get out and meet the fans at home, everyone tells me the support is really growing and that just means Phillip Island will be out of this world. And if Casey's world champion, then next year I want his crown!"

Before Stoner can seal this year's title, though, the numbers are simple: having notched up eight wins from the 13 races so far this year, he's 85 points clear of Italian legend Valentino Rossi.
With 25 points for a win, and four races left after tonight, if Stoner scores 15 points more than Rossi tonight at Portugal's Estoril track then his lead will be unassailable. If the title isn't nailed tonight, Rossi is running out of races to catch him.

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