Stoner proof that the system works – MA

Motorcycling Australia reckons Casey Stoner's new world championship in MotoGP is proof the rider development system in Australia is working.

The organisation writes: It is already written in folklore that Casey Stoner has swept all before him in 2007, and to top off a magnificent season where he captured the ultimate crown in motorcycle racing, the young Aussie has just had a weekend he will never forget.

Having dominated proceedings at Phillip Island in the 2007 Australian MotoGP, Stoner is evidence that the systems in place for junior motorcycle racing in Australia are sound.

It is widely known that Stoner came through the junior Track circles in Australia, and by the age of 14 had won an unprecedented 41 Australian Dirt and Long Track titles and over 70 State Titles.

Stoner's success comes from a solid junior background in motorcycling in Australia, and is proof that the systems set in place for junior development in this country are working.

With Stoner having left home shores when he was 14 back in 2000, the question which is now being asked is 'how has junior development improved since?' The answer - in a whole host of ways.

Junior license figures in Australia have spiked by over 20% since the end of 2001 - and perhaps more impressively, there has been an 11.5% jump in licensed junior riders in the past two years.

This can be attributed to numerous factors, including the significant increase in riding facilities around Australia, the implementation of a national Junior Coaching Program and the concerted effort by Motorcycling Australia's State Controlling Bodies to ensure the continued development of young riders.

Motorcycling Australia CEO David White believes that the increase in license figures and attendance levels of juniors at certain events are clear indications that solid foundations have been laid in this area of the sport around the country.

"There is no doubt that the role of junior development within our sport is of paramount importance as we look to progress competitive motorcycling well into the future," he said.

"We have seen in Casey that Motorcycling Australia provides an important pathway for junior development, and we have been working hard for a long time to provide adequate facilities and opportunities for young riders of all abilities.

"The increased license figures in recent times are a true testament to the services we provide, and show that the sport is evolving well in this country."

White pointed to the recent Junior Australian Motocross and Dirt Track Championships that were held in the past month, in highlighting the successful development of the sport at a grass-roots level.

"To have over 650 junior competitors take part in the Australian Junior Motocross Championship was a significant feat, and exemplifies the fact that record numbers of youngsters are flocking to participate.

"Similarly, competition at the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship was outstanding and we had a great mix of riders participating from all over the country.

"Hand-in-hand with this growth comes our increase in affiliated clubs and venues to facilitate it, and proves that we as an organisation are moving the sport in the right direction."

Several important initiatives are set in place for the near future in the area of junior development, including the rolling out of a nationwide 'in-schools' program, the continued progression of the Junior Coaching Program and some planned discussion forums on where the sport is heading.

See MA.org.au