Most in the MotoGP paddock are preparing to bid a fond farewell to a seaside classic venue in the upcoming weeks, but two-time world champion Casey Stoner refuses to accept defeat without putting up a strong resistance against the scheduled calendar shake-up for the Australian Grand Prix starting in 2027.
Phillip Island has long stood as the undisputed spiritual home of motorcycle grand prix racing in the country. Setting aside interruptions caused by global health events and a brief stint at Eastern Creek during the 1990s, the iconic Victorian circuit has reliably hosted the premier class since 1989, etching its name into the folklore of two-wheel motorsport history through countless memorable battles.
With the upcoming Australian GP widely anticipated to be the final chapter at the venue for the foreseeable future due to a planned shift toward an Adelaide street circuit event, local hero Casey Stoner—who dominated his home race with six consecutive victories between 2007 and 2012—vowed to challenge the decision head-on. Speaking alongside fellow former rider Chris Vermeulen in a promotional appearance, the legendary Australian voiced his strong disapproval.
“For Phillip Island to be off the calendar is just extremely disappointing for me and it's something I'll be fighting to get back on the calendar,” stated Casey Stoner, emphasizing the emotional and sporting value the historic venue holds for both competitors and purist fans alike across the global community.
While acknowledging that the classic circuit situated outside Melbourne requires infrastructural updates, such as modernized pitlane facilities and improved event staging, Casey Stoner firmly rejected the notion that these shortcomings justify abandoning the track in favor of a capital-city street venue. He believes the pure racing spectacle delivered on-track outweighs logistical challenges.
“I understand that some things need to change in Phillip Island. It needs a bit of a revamp of the pits and this sort of area. And we need to make the event a little different, I suppose, to add a bit more of a spruce to it,” he explained. However, he concluded with a firm stance against the transition, “But year after year, it produces some of the greatest racing you'll ever see. And to take that sort of thing off the calendar is very, very surprising for me. And to replace it with a street circuit isn't something I really agree with.” As reported by Motorsport.com, the pushback highlights ongoing tensions regarding modern calendar priorities.
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