Australian MotoGP rider Bryan Staring says locals won't have to wait too long for the next Casey Stoner to appear at Phillip Island.
The retirement of two-time world champion and six-time race winner Stoner leaves Staring and Damien Cudlin as the local representatives in the top category at this weekend's Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, with neither a realistic chance of a podium finish.
But 26-year-old Staring, who made his debut in the top grade with the Grisini squad this year in Qatar, said the future looks bright for Australia with young guns Jack Miller and Arthur Sissis on the horizon.
The pair, both 18, will contest the Moto3 division on the weekend.
Sissis produced a surprise podium finish at Phillip Island last year but has only managed one top-six finish this year.
Miller has joined Sissis' top Red Bull outfit for 2014 after 11 points-scoring finishes to currently sit seventh overall in the standings.
"There's definitely going to be another hometown hero, there's no doubt about that," said Perth-born Staring on Wednesday.
"Those two young Aussies, they're the real deal with Jack and Arthur.
"They're absolutely the next Casey although Australia's just got to be patient until they have the experience and they're ready to go through to Moto GP."
Staring has had a tough initiation, earning just two points with a season-best 14th place at Catalunya, Spain, in June.
While not looking for excuses, he said his CRT bike, a new category of entry in the Motor GP division, wasn't up to scratch.
"I don't mean to be negative but there's no way I can fill Casey's shoes," he said.
"I'm fairly well in the deep end this year and it's been a little bit less successful than I would have hoped for.
"We really haven't had the development with the bike and unfortunately every race is getting more difficult for us."
Stoner will be at Phillip Island along with fellow retired Australian world championship winners Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner for a honorary lap with rumours circulating the 27-year-old could mount up for a shock ride.
Staring said he hadn't heard but predicted Stoner would be back competing before long.
"He would miss like hell actually racing the bike," he said.
"Once you put your helmet on and you're alone and on the track and riding really fantastic equipment, that's hard to beat."
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