Casey Stoner to become MotoGP Legend in Phillip Island

Casey Stoner will become the 20th rider to be awarded the prestigious title of MotoGP Legend during his home race at Phillip Island this weekend.

The double MotoGP world champion was nominated as a MotoGP Legend immediately after his final premier class appearance in Valencia last November.

Stoner retired from MotoGP aged just 27 and he will become the third Australian MotoGP Legend alongside Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner.

Barry Sheene, Mike Hailwood, John Surtees, Phil Read, Giacomo Agostini and Kenny Roberts are other members of a star-studded cast to receive the MotoGP Legend accolade.

Speaking recently in an interview with MCN, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said: “The last time I saw Casey was in Valencia on the podium and I asked him if we could nominate him as a MotoGP Legend and he said it would be a great honour to accept. I have a lot of respect for him and he has been one of the best riders ever in MotoGP. His skills are amazing and he did something special by winning two championships on two makes, Ducati and Honda. He was incredibly successful and he is a MotoGP legend.”

Stoner won two MotoGP world titles for Ducati in 2007 and Honda in 2011 and he claimed 38 victories.

He switched to four-wheeled competition in a feeder series for the Australian V8 Supercar championship but plans to take a complete break from all forms of motorsport in 2014.

Check out tomorrow’s (16th October) MCN for an excerpt from Stoner’s new autobiography.