Beginning his motorcycle racing career at just 4-years-old, Australian Casey Stoner, now 27, has officially retired from the MotoGP World Championship series as a two-time champion. Now, it’s only fitting to take a look back and say goodbye to a champion.

Casey Stoner began his professional road racing career at the young age of 14. Riding in the 125cc and 250cc GP classes, it was clear that Stoner had tons of potential. In 2006, Stoner was offered a ride with Lucio Cecchinello’s MotoGP team and eventually ended up aboard a HRC Honda RC211V motorcycle. Finishing a disappointing 8th in the final MotoGP World Championship standings, no one could have predicted what was in store for 2007.

In 2007, Stoner made the move to the Factory Ducati team and found himself aboard the Ducati Desmosedici GP7 motorcycle. In stark contrast to 2006, Stoner was simply dominate over the course of the 2007 season. Leaving his competition in his exhaust fumes, Stoner recorded 10 wins and 6 pole positions easily grabbing his first title as the 2007 MotoGP World Champion.

From 2008-2010, although very competitive, Stoner fell just short of the World Championship each year. In the 2008 season, Stoner finished as runner-up to Italian riding legend Valentino Rossi. Then, in both of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Stoner was able to finish a respectable 4th in the standings. Once again though, a major change was about to take place.

In 2011 it was announced that Stoner would be making the move to the Factory Repsol Honda racing team. After winning the opening round in Qatar and quickly racking up another four victories by mid-season, Stoner was definitely on pace to once again become the MotoGP world champion. Flashing his dominance throughout the season, Stoner was able to capture the MotoGP title on his 26th birthday after winning the race at his home track of Phillip Island, Australia. It was his 9th victory on the season and it happened in front of his home fans; the victory couldn’t have been any sweeter. “I wanted to win this one,” said Stoner. “Not too many people have so many things align in one day and it’s hard to get a hold of it. Maybe it was just meant to be, but it’s something unbelievable.”

After winning his second MotoGP World Championship title, the entire world expected Stoner to be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come. Then, on May 17, 2012, prior to the French Grand Prix, Stoner shocked the world with his announcement that he would retire from the MotoGP World Championship series at the end of the 2012 season. According to the BBC, Stoner cited that the sport had changed to the point where he no longer enjoyed riding and felt it was time to retire. “There are a lot of things that have disappointed me, and also a lot of things I have loved about this sport, but unfortunately the balance has gone in the wrong direction,” said Stoner.

Stunned and saddened, the MotoGP world had no choice but to say goodbye to a champion who blames the sport itself on his departure. Certainly not the way any fan of any sport would like to see one of the best end a career. Still, it’s only proper to say, “Goodbye Casey. You truly were one of the best.”

With that, I leave you with a video tribute to Casey Stoner. Enjoy!