“A legendary moment in the making. Local heroes Mick Doohan, Casey Stoner and Wayne Gardner will take to the track to relive their glory days, for the last time in Phillip Island. Come witness history with us this Sunday. #AustralianGP #MotoGP”under this brief statement the organization of the MotoGP Australian GP announced “Legends Lap”a unique and unrepeatable event.
Three of the biggest stars in world motorcycling will meet for the last time on what has been the reference circuit in the oceanic country in recent decades. “Phillip Island has played a significant role in the careers of Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner, and bringing all of these champions together for this special celebration is something we know fans will enjoy.”said Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld.
Last dance on Phillip Island
For a few months now we have been telling you about the future of the Australian GP in different articles. This no longer happens to be contested on one of the most iconic tracks on the planet, Phillip Island. In 2027 the action will move to a newly built street circuit in Adelaide. The issue has been brewing since its origins and, even today, the vast majority of MotoGP fans do not understand or support this change of location of the historic race weekend in the country of kangaroos.
Likewise, after the announcement of the construction of the new facilities, there have been several protests by different Adelaide neighborhood associations who are completely against the event. The main reason for this opposition focuses on the supposed felling of trees that should be carried out in the place where, supposedly, the circuit and other facilities that host this event in the annual Motorcycle World Championship calendar should be built.
A deserved and long-awaited tribute
What more can be said about three motorcycling figures of the stature of Casey Stoner, Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner… Nothing. We can only see them rolling on the backs of their former battle companions, taking a lap of honor to Phillip Island during the “Legends Lap” celebration. Following the announcement of the event, Casey Stoner stated:
“Phillip Island has given me some of the best memories of my career, and it is a place that will always hold a special place in my heart. I am excited to be a part of this final chapter and to share it with the fans. I know this will be a weekend we will remember for many years.”
Let us remember that the Australian driver achieved his last victory on this track in the 2012 season. For his part, Gardner has a very particular relationship with this track since took victory in the inaugural Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix held in the 1989 season. Furthermore, as reported by a local media:
“To complete the celebrations, American motorcycling legend and 500cc world champion, Kevin Schwantz will join the trio for the Return of the Legends. Schwantz achieved 25 premier class Grand Prix victories during his career and became a fan favorite around the world for his unmistakable driving style.”
They conclude: “The motorcycle on which Mick Doohan won the 1998 World Championship will also be on display at the Expo on Friday and Saturday, giving fans the opportunity to see some of the machines that featured in one of the most dominant periods in the history of Grand Prix motorcycling.”
