Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness believes the motorcycle racing world has not seen the last of double world champion Casey Stoner.
The British rider, who is one of the biggest names in road racing with 20 victories at the challenging Isle of Man TT, has been a long time admirer of Australian motorcycle racing.
In recent years Casey Stoner has flown the flag for the nation, claiming two MotoGP world championships in 2007 and 2011.
Although he announced his retirement from the category in 2012, McGuinness has a feeling the Stoner will return to competitive two wheel racing in the near future.
Last season the 28-year-old made his car racing debut in V8 Supercars’ Dunlop Series and helped develop Honda’s MotoGP machine as a test rider.
He is taking a complete sabbatical this season, with no current plans for competition.
“I don’t think Casey is finished,” McGuinness told Speedcafe.com.
“I just get a feeling he is having a break and he is still a racer and loves riding bikes.
“I don’t think it is the last we will see of Casey on a competitive bike.”
McGuinness, who will make his Phillip Island debut this weekend when he takes part in the International Island Classic, is also confident that Australia’s proud motorcycle heritage is set to continue with a new wave of young Australian riders led by Moto3 star Jack Miller.
“I like watching these youngsters like on the Moto 3 bikes and they are coming good,” he said.
“There are still plenty of good riders coming out of Australia and if they get the breaks they will go on to win world championships.”
Looking ahead to his Phillip Island debut, McGuinness hopes his United Kingdom team can give Australia, who have won the last five International Island Classics, stiff competition this time round.
The team is made up of former MotoGP rider Jeremy McWilliams, Ryan Farquhar, Gary Johnson, Mike Edwards and Mick Godfrey.
The Australian squad is made up of superbike legend Steve Martin, 2013 individual winner Shawn Giles, Malcolm Campbell, Rob Phillis, Brendan Roberts and Beau Beaton.
Australia and the United Kingdom will also go up against teams from American and New Zealand at the event.
“I’ve chuffed to have the chance to race here its an event I’ve always wanted to do. Its an iconic track its on my bucket list,” he said.
“I think we have got a good package and we are not bad riders. I think its going to be very difficult to beat the guys here on home soil.
“I saw the results and time sheets from last year and its very impressive. If we finish all the races we won’t be a million miles away and I hope we can give these guys a run for their money.”
