Misano Adriatico Race Circuit, Italy -

Dear Casey

As defending World Champion you are one of the great riders of today's MotoGP Circuit. We love you for that. We love the sportsmanship you display. We know Valentino is very competitive and pushes the limits of sportsmanship. You do what has to be done, to keep the competition between the green light and the checkered flag and not on the podium or in the press where it does not belong. I remember Randy Mamola commenting on your finish in Laguna Seca saying Valentino probably said to you from the top podium spot something like "great race, huh, Casey?" And continued, just what would you say to a line like that?

You have to forgive us for the celebrations after, heck even during, your fall during Sunday's Gran Prix of San Marino Race at Misano Adriatico on Italy's east coast near Rimini. We were so jubilant to witness Valentino's win, equaling Giacomo Agostini's all time record of 68 wins, putting him 75 points clear of you sitting in second place in the championship and that much closer to regaining the crown.

Vale would be nothing without you and the rest of the field. No one would pay 90 Euro to sit and stand in a field just to watch him go round and round by himself with no other great riders to measure against. Sunday saw a lot of riders sliding off into the kitty litter, like local boys Alex De Angelis, Marco Simoncelli and Passini in the 250's. But you helped to make my weekend by sliding out right in front of me and helped to make one of the greatest riders that much greater. It was a wonderful day, maybe a bit too windy, which helped keep us cool in the stands but probably complicated your race; already complicated with your sore hand. We can all say we are sorry for the warm applause we gave you as you made your way off the track but it was for our hero we applauded and not your misfortune. We were glad to see you up and walking and welcome you back to your livelihood in two weeks time in Indianapolis.

Just remember next year when you come back to Italy you will just have to remember you are in Vale's house and he owns the house. We hope you don't take offense to all that cheering since it did all occur between the Green Light and the Checkered Flag.

Keep your throttle twisted and the foot pegs scrapping. Just watch the front end a little more.