From a press release issued by Motorcycling Australia: Casey Stoner, 22, has been named Young Australian of the Year at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra last week. In the ceremony acknowledging outstanding Australian’s, Stoner was presented with the Young Australian of the Year Award for his exceptional performance throughout the 2007 Moto GP Championship. Stoner was excited about winning the award and feels privileged to have had his efforts recognised in this way. “It was totally unexpected; it’s hard to believe when all I do is race motorbikes,” he said. “It’s a big privilege and a great honour that Australia has acknowledged my achievements in 2007.” Stoner is currently preparing for the 2008 Moto GP Championship beginning in Qatar on 9 March. “Everything just seems to be going right for me and it shows that when you try hard for long enough, then good things happen for you,” he said Now a recipient of the Young Australian of the Year Award, Stoner joins other sporting greats such as Lleyton Hewitt, Ian Thorpe, Kieran Perkins and Cathy Freeman to have received the award. “I had a look at the list of people who have won this award and there are definitely some who went on to have some great careers so I’m very thankful I’m part of that,” Stoner said. Motorcycling Australia’s CEO, David White, was thrilled with Stoner winning the award. “It’s so great for Casey’s achievements to be recognised at such a high and respected level,” White said. “He’s contributed so much to motorcycling sport in Australia it’s just fantastic for him to be rewarded in this way.” Stoner is currently testing with the Ducati Marlboro team at Phillip Island as he prepares to defend his 2007 title.