Riders have routines, from the complex and full of superstition to the simple but quietly intense. Casey Stoner is a private person, appearing only when necessary such as for team and sponsor obligations, media debriefs, press conferences, taking pole or winning races. But after the sighting lap, when he has taken his position on the grid, he’s exposed.
He’s not preoccupied with doing amazing things at speed. He’s a stationary object, vulnerable to scrutiny by photographers, VIP guests allowed to roam this highly guarded area, and the millions of fans who watch via the TV cameras that circle and zoom from rider to rider as the clock ticks down to the start of the race. To endure this period, Casey sits straight on his bike, reflective sunglasses hiding his eyes, wife Adrianna by his side, hands folded in his lap. Other riders move around, talking to people, giving interviews to reporters, waving to the crowd. Casey sits like the Buddha, perhaps meditating, perhaps simply shutting the world out until we are all kicked off the grid for the warm up lap.
He’s not about the limelight or being a star. He’s just there to race, and sometimes this rubs people the wrong way. But I’ve had more opportunities to observe him recently, and I can say that the more I do, the more impressed I am and the more I like what I see. For example, after winning at Laguna Seca, and after enduring the post race press conference and media questions, he was escorted back to his sanctuary in the fenced off section of the paddock by three burly guards, security guys hired by the track. When they’d delivered him, the three bear-sized men in shades changed as if by magic to starry-eyed boys as they asked for photos with Casey and autographs on their hard cards. Patiently, Casey smiled through it all, signed everything they asked him to sign, and thanked them for their help.
I suspect it’s mainly those who have not met him in person who criticize him. I suspect those three security guards would agree he’s a genuinely nice guy. I’m certain that’s what I think.
