Source: MotoGP.

Deputy premier Peter Ryan has today unveiled the bronze busts of Australia’s only motorcycling world champions; Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan and Casey Stoner.

The ceremony was held at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the home to some of their finest achievements.

Wayne Gardner AM, Mick Doohan AM and Casey Stoner AM all won the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island, and their successes at this iconic track and on the world stage changed the face of motorcycling in Australia forever.

Gardner was responsible for bringing the Australian Grand Prix to Phillip Island in 1989 on the strength of his 1987 World Championship victory, appropriately claiming the next two Australian Grand Prix titles.

“I’m very lucky that my career and world championship success captured the nation’s enthusiasm and this event was established because of it,” Garnder said. “The challenge then was on to go out and win the races, and I took great pleasure in winning those first two events.”

Compatriot Doohan took Gardner’s lead and made Australia the dominant force in the sport with an incredible five consecutive titles of his own. Doohan is a true legend of motorcycle racing; his Honda dominated the 500cc World Championship in the mid-nineties amassing 54 grand prix victories.

“What can I say; it’s not something you start out your career ever expecting,” Doohan beamed. “It’s a surreal experience to see yourself this way, in bronze. It takes your breath away, it’s a great honour.

“When I look back at the amount of success I had in my career, the fact that I was only able to conquer Phillip Island once speaks volumes about what it means to win here. That victory in 1998 is one of my fondest memories.”

Stoner, Australia’s most recent title holder was not only crowned world champion twice, but made history with six successive Australian Grand Prix wins at Phillip Island. World champion in 2007 and 2011, Stoner collected 38 victories in the premier class for Ducati and Honda.

“It’s nice to be back at Phillip Island where I have so many fantastic memories and it’s a great honour to be immortalised in bronze with this sculpture, so thanks to Barbara for doing such a great job!” Stoner said.

“Along with having turn three named after me I’m really thankful to the Australian public and everyone at the AGPC for recognising the part I’ve played in international motorcycling on behalf of my country.”

Ryan said to conquer the premier class of motorcycling as these men did is an incredible feat, and he was honoured to help celebrate their achievements.

“To accomplish success at this level requires more than just talent. It requires steely determination, unwavering dedication and an eye for detail – these men share each of these admirable character traits,” Mr. Ryan said.

“We are very proud that another trait they share is the fact they are all Australian – what outstanding representation of this country on the world sporting stage.”

The busts, like the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, are set to become a tourist attraction of their own when they move to their permanent resting place – the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre at Newhaven – a location considered by many as the gateway to Phillip Island.

“Wayne, Mick and Casey are Australian sporting legends – and it’s entirely appropriate that they will be honoured permanently on Phillip Island, the home of Australian motorcycling,” Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman, Ron Walker said.

Motorcycling Australia CEO Dale Gilson said the contribution of these men to world motorsport is unquantifiable but this is a small way that their great feats can be recognised.

“These three men have demonstrated that Australia can breed the talent that not only takes on the world’s best, but then can go out there, defy the odds and set a new standard of excellence. We are here to celebrate that – and what a fitting way to do it.”

Artist Barbara McLean is best-known for more than 30 bronze busts at Melbourne Park depicting giants of Australian tennis like Rod Laver, Margaret Court and John Newcombe. She also recreated Australia’s Formula One World Champions, Sir Jack Brabham AO, OBE and Alan Jones MBE ASM in bronze, which are located at Albert Park.

For tickets and more information on the 2014 Tissot Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, visit www.motogp.com.au.