It's worth remembering that reigning
MotoGP world champion
Casey Stoner won the MRO Superteens title in 2000 on his way to the top. Now Stephanie plans to compete in the British 125GP championship at Superbike rounds in 2009.
Sunday pm - Gutsy Crutchlow Attempts a Lorenzo in BSB
On his left foot a flip-flop sandal, on his right leg a lightweight removable cast – that's how Cal Crutchlow is getting round the paddock here this morning as he prepares to compete in the two 20-lap British Superbike races on his HM Plant Honda.
Crutchlow fractured his right ankle in a crash at
Oulton Park last week, and damaged the tendons and the ligaments. Now he is fighting to protect his third place in the championship.
"I've not been doing any exercise with the ankle all week, so this morning I woke up and it felt very sore after the two practice sessions yesterday," he said. "Whatever, I'm here to race. I'm not nervous about racing with this injury, but it does make you more cautious. That said, I'm still planning to be as aggressive as ever as I want to get straight back on the podium."
You have to marvel at the guts of motorcycle racers as Crutchlow prepares to pitch his 200-horsepower Fireblade round this 2.3-mile track at up to 165mph, while carrying injuries that would make a car racer run for nanny.
His challenge is similar to that of the 21-year-old Spaniard
Jorge Lorenzo, who damaged both ankles in a crash in practice for the Chinese MotoGP last week, but hobbled onto his Fiat Yamaha and finished fourth.
Sunday am - Tom Sykes Zeroes in on Byrne
Shane Byrne was the fastest rider on the track in his third consecutive practice session at
Brands Hatch this morning on his Airwaves Ducati – but Rizla Suzuki's Tom Sykes delivered a clear message: "I'm closing on ya!"
