UNDER
With Clare Lawrence Casey Stoner is an Australian-born MotoGP Champion. He was born in Southport, Queensland in 1985 and ever since he was a toddler, he has shown a tremendous interest in motorbikes. Casey moved to the United Kingdom to pursue a career in racing during his early teens. In 2007 he became MotoGP World Champion for Ducati Corse and last year he won his second World Championship with Repsol Honda. This season he is defending his title as current MotoGP Champion. Hello Casey… It’s great to be interviewing you! Thank you so much for your time…
Did you miss much from back home? “I guess the outdoor life as that’s a big part of the Australian lifestyle, but no – not really.”
“Thank you.” Firstly, congratulations on your MotoGP titles… It must feel incredible to have won two World Championships… Can you tell me what it means to you to hold two titles of such significance?
Your family have clearly been a massive support for you… Do you think that just with your sheer determination you would be where you are today without that help?
“It’s obviously a fantastic feeling. It’s what we’ve been working towards our whole life and to finally achieve it, not just once but twice is a great feeling. I’m very grateful to those around me that have helped me accomplish this goal.” What are your first memories of motorbike riding? “To be honest I don’t really remember so clearly that far back as I first rode a bike when I was three years old! All I do remember is being so happy when on a bike and feeling so comfortable. When I watch videos we have of me in my first races as a young child, the memories and feelings return.”
A T S
Being only four years old and competing in an under 9’s race is somewhat remarkable… Do you remember much about this race?
O C
“That’s very difficult to say, my family have been a wonderful support throughout my career and my dad still plays a large role to this day. There have been points in my career that I would perhaps change if I had a second chance but these ‘moments’ may have moulded me into the rider and person I am today. I think everything happens for a reason and when all is said and done I am simply very grateful to be where I am today.”
A C
“No. Not really! Like I said when I re-watch these old races then I have some emotions and feelings that come back to me, but I was too young to remember them clearly.”
When you want to travel do you like fast cars as much as you do fast bikes?
Do you have any pastimes that you like to pursue when you are not racing? “I love to be outdoors. I really enjoy my fishing, it something I can do and totally relax and switch off.”
T E .N
“I love all motorsport to be honest but I’m not a speed freak, especially on public roads. I get my rush of speed on track and when I’m driving around; my car is simply to get me from A to B.”
R E D
A R
T R
CASEY STONER
Congratulations also on the birth of your little girl Alessandra… Will you be happy to let her follow a similar sport to yourself or another fast-paced activity if she wants to in the future? “Both Adriana and I would be happy for her to follow her own dreams; we will support her whatever she decides to do. Of course I will teach Ally about riding a bike and the skills I have learnt over the years, but then it’s up to her what she wishes to pursue.” What can we expect to see next from you? “I’m not sure yet, I’m still enjoying my racing but I’m not one of those racers that will continue to race just because it’s what I know, or I’m afraid to leave this world. When I stop enjoying it, I will take a break and do something else. I have made no secret about the fact I love V8 Supercars and if I can be competitive I’d love to give that a go!”
You were just 14 years of age when you and your family moved to England… How did you adjust to life in a different country? “It’s not something I really thought about. I was with my family and we practically lived at racetracks. A race track is pretty much the same environment the world over so that was quite comforting in a way. I was also very lucky to meet Chaz Davies and Leon Camier when we first moved to the UK and we became great friends. We still are to this day, but we don’t get to see so much of each other now with our hectic schedules.”
Thanks for your time Casey and everyone at the CCT wishes you lots of luck and good fortune with the 2012 season and beyond!
READ ON-LINE WWW.COSTACARTRADER.NET OR FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
13