Casey Stoner - MotoGP Racing

Casey Stoner

Australian rider Casey Stoner is, without a doubt, one of the most talented riders to grace the tracks of the MotoGP circuit. Casey's journey to World Champion began with a debut entry as a wildcard at Donington Park in 2001. His Grand Prix career began in the 250cc class in 2002. In 2003, he took a small step down to compete in the 125cc class - with four podiums and a final-round win that season, Casey was on his way. In 2004, he won the first ever Gran Prix victory for KTM, and ended up finishing 5th overall for the season. In 2005, Stoner rejoined the 250cc battlefield, earning 5 victories and a second place overall standing at season's end.

Finally, in 2006, Casey Stoner burst into the premier class riding for LCR Honda. His "balls out" riding style earned him the pole position in only his second race in Qatar, followed by a spot on the podium in second place to Marco Melandri's win in Turkey. Unfortunately in his inaugural Premier Class year, Casey's riding style also earned him a "loose cannon" tag. His brilliant rides were often interupted by equally brilliant crashes. The latter did not thwart the decision to lure him into the Ducati paddock for the 2007 season - which would prove to be the defining moment of his career.

Stoner's 2007 season was no less than spectacular. Ten first place finishes, several of them pole-to-flag wins, earned him the title of MotoGP World Champion. His epic battle with Valentino Rossi at Catalunya that year will go down as one of the best races in MotoGP history. Eight impressive wins in 2008 were not enough to retain the crown, which was recaptured by Casey's most competitive rival, seven-time World Champion, Valentino Rossi.

2009 proved to be an exciting and challenging year for Casey Stoner. The competiton was fierce with Rossi running defense and several fresh, new, eager and talented riders, Casey had his work cut out for him. Stricken with a mid-season mystery illness, Casey chose to take a break from racing to focus on his health. Rookie Mika Kallio stepped in to take his place for Ducati Marlboro. After missing 3 races, and crashing out on the sighting lap in the final race at Valencia, Casey's amazing run for the title still managed to rack up enough points to land him 4th in the final standings.

2010 will find Stoner back in racing form and chasing down the title once again on that big red Duc that is rumored to be so difficult to ride - Casey has clearly mastered it.