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 14, Northwood’s Nate Shortt has well and truly proven himself in the world of speedway, after being selected among 19 other under-21 riders in the Oceania for the FIM SGP Academy.
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Shortt, 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, Shortt’s application to the FIM SGP Academy was immediately accepted.
The academy, which is held at 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 media training, nutritional coaching and mindset guidance.
Shortt’s father, 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
Shortt headed to Gillman on January 21 and spent three days there training and learning, leading into competing in the FIM Oceania Speedway Championships last Saturday.
This opportunity will provide Shortt 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”, Shortt is always preparing for the next big thing.
“I’m excited, but obviously I can still achieve more,” Shortt said.
“Nothing is ever enough for this kid,” Trent said in response.
Despite this drive, Shortt 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,” Shortt said.
“I was pretty honoured to be one of the 20 riders to be selected under-21.”
Shortt’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.
