Island turn named after MotoGP star Miller

Oliver Caffrey | October 15, 2022

Australian MotoGP star Jack Miller had tears streaming down his face after being immortalised at the famed Phillip Island racing circuit.

Miller joins Australian motorcycling royalty in Mick Doohan, Casey Stoner and Wayne Gardner being permanently remembered at the Victorian track.

Turn four at the island circuit has been renamed Miller Corner ahead of Sunday’s grand prix, the first MotoGP race in Australia since 2019.

Fans have declared it Miller since the Townsville product burst onto the MotoGP scene in 2015, but it became official on Saturday.

The 27-year-old said the ceremony on track before qualifying was special and emotional.

“It was pretty surreal,” Miller said.

“That was an amazing gesture. I’m definitely not worthy of it, but I’ll take it.

“It’s awesome to be stamped on this amazing race track. 

“I was riding back on the bike after the little ceremony and I was crying. 

“It’s a real honour and it still hasn’t quite sunk in.”

It has been an unforgettable month for Miller after he won his first race of the season in Japan last month and got married.

Last weekend’s wedding back in Townsville was when Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott revealed Miller’s legacy in motorcycling would be forever.

“Andrew came to the wedding last week and that was his wedding gift so that was cool of him,” Miller said.

“It’s amazing for them to recognise what I do for motorcycle racing, and what I’m about. 

“I’m about promoting motorcycle racing in the positive way I can. 

“I love this sport and love everything about it. 

“If you can be a nice guy and go fast from time to time then it definitely paid off.”

Stoner, Doohan and Gardner are all at Phillip Island this weekend hoping Miller joins them in winning an Australian GP.

The legendary Stoner, who won six-straight Australian GPs between 2007 and 2012, has been in the Ducati garages this weekend offering advice to his fellow Australian and Miller’s teammate Francesco Bagnaia.

Miller is looking to break through for his first MotoGP win at Phillip Island after finishing third in his home race three years ago.