Nate Shortt will be set up for a speedy career in speedway after completing the FIM SGP Academy in Gillman, South Australia.
Photo by
Colin Rosewarne
At just 14, Northwood local Nate Shortt has well and truly proved himself in the world of speedway, after being selected among 19 other under-21-year-olds in the whole of Oceania for the FIM SGP Academy.
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Nate, who had only ridden his larger 250cc bike four times before, placed third in the 250cc Solo Speedway Victorian Championships, confirming his innate talent for the sport.
After being seen riding by a selector, Nate’s application to the FIM SGP Academy was immediately accepted.
The SGP Academy, which is held at the Gillman Speedway in South Australia, aims to train the speedway SGP stars of tomorrow, not only by providing them with riding tips and bike advice, but also with media training, nutritional coaching and mindset guidance.
Nate’s dad, Trent Shortt, said the academy was looking for more than just speed.
“Not only do they have to be fast, but they have to be a good representation for Australia,” Trent said.
Nate Shortt is also preparing to take on Oceania’s best in the FIM Speedway Championships Down Under.
Photo by
Steven Bloomfield
Nate headed to Gillman on January 21, and will spend three days there training and learning, leading into Saturday, January 25, where he will compete in the FIM Oceania Speedway Championships.
This opportunity will provide Nate with endless possibilities, from potential sponsorships to being selected to compete in Europe.
While Trent said he “couldn’t be prouder of him for trying to achieve his dreams”, Nate is always preparing for the next big thing.
“I’m excited, but obviously I can still achieve more,” Nate said.
“Nothing is ever enough for this kid,” Trent said in response.
Despite this drive, Nate is still undoubtedly proud of where he has gotten to today.
“I was very happy with it, I didn’t really expect to get through,” Nate said.
“I was pretty honoured to be one of the 20 riders to be selected under 21.”
Nate’s journey has been assisted by sponsors such as Seymour Tyre and Mechanical, which has offered support for the young prodigy.
“We’re just a normal family, we’re just trying to do the best we can for our kids,” Trent said.
“We need people like that to jump on board.”
Nate’s future in speedway is set to be advanced by the FIM SGP Academy.
With support from the community and his family, Nate is armed and ready to take on the Oceania Speedway Championships.
