Casey Stoner – Honored at ‘Stoner Corner’
Stoner accepts honor |
Australia’s two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner has been honored today with a slice of his favorite Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, the high speed turn three – the site of so many of Stoner’s thrilling sliding maneuvers – to be now known as “Stoner Corner".
The naming announced today by Andrew Fox of circuit owners, the Linfox Property Group, is in recognition of Stoner’s sensational road racing career and total dominance of Phillip Island from 2007 where he has claimed five consecutive MotoGP victories.
Apart from turn one, which is already named after five-time world 500 GP champion Mick Doohan, Stoner was given free rein by the Fox family and the Phillip Island circuit management to choose what part of the circuit would have his imprint – and without hesitation he nominated turn three, a fast downhill left-hander which MotoGP riders hit at over 250km/h. And the turn’s a constant reminder of Stoner’s sublime talent as he ‘hangs’ the rear tire out lap after lap.
Stoner with his wife and baby |
Casey Stoner:
“Turn three is probably my favorite one in the world. I am almost flat out in fifth gear through there and that is pretty damn fast and it really gets your blood flowing that’s for sure. It always gives me a great rush going through there so to have a corner named after me at Phillip Island is something quite special. It is a great privilege".
Andrew Fox of circuit owners, the Linfox Property Group:
“Casey, like you, we think Phillip Island is a very special place in the world of motorsport. We congratulate you on what you have achieved here and declare, that from this day on, turn three will now be named Stoner Corner in your honor".
Circuit chief, Fergus Cameron, who has managed the circuit since 1984:
“This year we celebrate the circuit’s 60th year and are about to embark on a $3 million track resurfacing and upgrade. In the entire 60 years, there are only two riders who been recognized in this way and that is the man who bought international motorcycle racing to life in Australia, Wayne Gardner, with Gardner Straight and of course five times world champion, Mick Doohan was gifted Doohan Corner. But no-one has set Phillip Island alight, and thrilled our fans, time and time again like Casey. Casey, we congratulate you on an incredible career and now with Stoner Corner your performances at the island will always be hailed and remembered".