SEYMOUR motocross rider Nate Shortt has been named captain of the 85cc Victorian team heading to the 2025 MXGP of Australia in Darwin next month.
It was an unexpected but welcoming honour for the 14-year-old talent who will lead Victoria’s top junior MX85 riders in the inaugural Motocross State Challenge, a new addition to the MXGP weekend that, for the first time, introduces a team-based competition to what is typically an individual sport.
“I was completely shocked. Mum and Dad just sent me the announcement in a group chat. I had no idea I was even being considered for captain,” Nate said.
While Nate admitted the responsibility was nerve-racking, he is no stranger to competing against the best. The 2025 MXGP of Australia will see him race individually, with points contributing to an overall team score. Nate’s role as captain will include rallying his teammates and lifting spirits between races.
“It’s different because everyone on the team has been a competitor before. Now we’re working together,” his father, Trent, said.
“Motocross isn’t usually a team sport, so it’s a new mindset, but I think Nate’s natural positivity will help bring the group together.”
The MXGP in Darwin isn’t the only major event on Nate’s calendar. Just a week later, he’ll travel to South Australia to compete in his first-ever Australian Junior Motocross Championships, where he’ll contest three classes: 85cc, 125cc, and 250cc.
“It’s a huge couple of weeks,” Trent said. “We’re keeping expectations realistic: it’s his first Aussie titles, but we’d love to see a top 10 finish across the board, and maybe even a podium in the 85cc.”
Nate has also been competing in Victoria’s Northern and Western Regional Series and is currently leading all three classes in the Northerns. He is on track to achieve something few riders have done, winning the 85cc, 125cc, and 250cc titles in the same year.
Preparation is intense not just for Nate, but for the Shortt family.
Trent recently installed a concrete start pad and custom starting gate on the property to help Nate work on one of the most critical parts of racing: the start.
“At this level, the field is so competitive,” Trent said. “If you’re even a few seconds behind at the start, it’s nearly impossible to catch up. That’s why we’re focusing on reflexes and clutch control.”
With back-to-back events in Darwin and South Australia, the Shortts are seeking support from the local community to help manage the financial load.
Components of the trip add up, and the family estimates costs of over $5000.
Nate has set up a Facebook group to coordinate fundraising and thank sponsors.
Recent donors include Seymour Tyre and Mechanical, ACS Racing, Cost Less Bolts, T & J Motorcycles and Power Equipment, Kyabram Haulage, Helloworld Travel Seymour, Mark Bender Gents Hairdresser and Dermaluxe Beauty.
“We truly couldn’t do this without the local support,” Nate said. Locals may even spot Nate dropping into local businesses to ask for support personally.
A flyer campaign is underway, and the family hopes more businesses will come on board.
Search Nate Shortt N8MX-48 – Be a Part of My Journey on Facebook to support Nate and his motorsport journey or scan the QR code below.
The family is currently hosting an online garage sale, with all funds raised going towards supporting Nate in Darwin.
