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Casey's numbers are legendary. Considering he did most of it on a Ducati, given the lessons on 2011-12, there is no doubt its legend worthy. Peeps not considering him a legend are thinking about his personality not his accomplishment. Longevity is not a prerequisite for legendary status. And neither is likability. I don't like VR's personality, but his record will catapult him into legend status, regardless that most of it was gained through league favortism. People won't remember this, as people won't remember Ago basically had the only package capable of wining for many years, or Doohan only needing to beat his weak Spanish teammate. People often don't take the time to analysis results properly and simply most often take them at face value. Stoner detractors can thank God Casey wasn't moved to a factory Jap bike after 07, or that string of WCs would have easily been several, its an easy assessment to make. People talking about naming corners, haha, Jesus, Valencia has Torel, and the ....... circuit is named for some no-name 10cc champ named Ricardo. Make no mistake, Casey Stoner is a legend of the sport whether some of us like it or not. He was easily the fastest rider for the last 6 seasons, something not easily highlighted by wins and WCs, this is confirmed by not only his results in poles, fast laps, and track records given the conditions, but by other notables who have commented on Stoner's speed on the track. That he chose to quit early has zero barring on his results thus far. There is no way we can make a case, as has been attempted here, to discredit his legendary status if we are going to bare in mind other legends of the sport against Stoner's record. Sure, some people feel its way too soon to be calling the guy a "legend" given the circumstance of his early departure, but even this lets look at it clearly, its NOT like he got caught cheating on the bike or worse given special dispensations that directly enhanced his performance leading to results. Make no mistake, given a bit of time, and some real impartial analysis of his record, the man is a MotoGP legend (just one that a lot of people don't like or want to accept).
