Racing: Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix countdown

Casey Stoner, your timing is perfect. After a self-imposed three-race exile to recover from a mystery illness, the 2007 world champion returned to action at the Portugese Grand Prix last weekend, and was a fighting second behind Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo.

That has set Stoner up for a serious tilt at this year's Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island from October 16-18, at a circuit where he normally reels off laps with relentless precision on his factory Ducati.

The Aussie will surely start favourite at one of his favourite tracks, but he will certainly face intense opposition from Lorenzo, Valentino Rossi (Yamaha) and Honda's Dani Pedrosa in the MotoGP race.

Tickets are still available for the grand prix, where the on-track action will also include the 125 and 25-GP world championship classes and support events for superbike, supersport and historic competitors, with the first two counting towards points in the official Australian championship.

Troy Bayliss will also join Wayne Gardner and Mick Doohan in a 'Legends of MotoGP' display at the GP. The trio will cut some demonstration laps of the 4.45km circuit on October 17-18.

Off-track, the AMCN-sponsored GP Expo will again be the major attraction, with exhibitors in the permanent facility including Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Triumph, Ducati, BMW, KTM, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Zero and Megelli. Harley-Davidson and Can-Am (Spyder) will have outside displays.

Aftermarket suppliers in attendance will include Piranha Eyewear, Draggin Jeans, AndyStrapz, Shogai, Autographed Collectables, SportArt, RoadRocket, and McLeod Accessories.

Meanwhile, Doohan and Gardner will lead a mass ride through Melbourne's CBD in the lead-up to the GP on October 13.

The ride will culminate at Federation Square where a number of activities are planned, including interviews with the Aussie icons and a number of current MotoGP pilots. Riders wishing to participate in the ride should assemble at 11.30am. Numbers are limited. Click on the following link to register your interest.

Two days later, the Barry Sheene Tribute Ride will be held, starting at Bairnsdale and culminating in a lap of the Phillip Island circuit. Also, a tribute dinner will be held at Bairnsdale RSL on October 14. For dinner bookings, tel (03) 5152 3928.

For more information on the GP, including VIP hospitality, campgrounds, transport and parking, visit www.motogp.com.au.