The teenager has already shot for the stars, having earlier this year been selected as one of 20 under-21-year-olds to represent Oceania in the FIM SGP Academy.
Nate is far from putting the brakes on his accelerating career and is deep in preparation for the MXGP.
“I’ll be racing my 85, along with the 125 and 250, in the lead-up at the Vic titles, regional and club events and continuing my usual training program,” he said.
“That includes gym sessions at the Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, push bike riding and riding both at home and at other tracks.
“Before the bike heads off to Darwin, it’ll get a full rebuild. I’m hoping Cisco Race Tuning can go over it to make sure it’s running perfectly and I’ll get Choice Suspension to service the suspension so everything’s dialled in.”
The 2025 MXGP will be taking place from September 19 to 21 at the Hidden Valley Motorsports Complex and attracts talent from all over the world.
With the days ticking down, Nate said he and his family were doing all they could to raise funds for the trip.
“I’ve reached out to local businesses for support and we’re planning a raffle and auction of donated items,” he said.
“I’ve been speaking to Bunnings about running a sausage sizzle fundraiser and Helloworld Seymour is looking at ways to help with travel costs.
“Seymour Tyre and Mechanical are providing fresh tyres.
“I’m also hoping to run a couple of coaching or ride days at Muskerry Park near Bendigo.
“And, since my race number is 48, we’re talking to a few local stores about possibly donating a percentage of sales on August 4 (4/8) to help support the trip.”
Nate said he was set to drop some merchandise through Gnarly Neighbours to help with fundraising as well.
While the MXGP will be a massive feat for the local teen, this is just one of the many stops on Nate’s journey.
Nate said it would be a major learning experience to propel him into the future.
“Ideally, I’d love to get noticed by some factory teams. To get on their radar would be amazing,” he said.
“But, more than anything, I want to learn as much as I can.
“Gaining experience at an event like this helps me understand what’s involved at that next level and gives me more tools to take with me into the Aussie titles.”
Nate has had a lot of support around town and he thanked his parents, his coach Adrian from ACS Racing, John and Sharni from Seymour Tyre and Mechanical, JNR Motorsports, CityMX, Muskerry Motopark and Omega Moto Graphics.
To keep up to date with Nate’s journey, follow him on Instagram @nateshortt_n8mx
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