Smith given international opportunity

By Matthew Kappos

Mar 30, 2025

Speedway rider Nate Smith is on his way to the junior world championships in Slovenia and the Czech Republic in May. Photo: Supplied.

Nate Smith’s ascent in the world of speedway racing is only set to continue after the Echuca rider was afforded a prestigious international opportunity.

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Having only been part of the sport for about 18 months, 14-year-old Smith earned the number three national ranking for his class after a win at the South Australian Titles, second at the Oceania Championships and fourth at the Queensland titles.

Smith recently got the call, after one of the two riders above him was unable to attend, inviting him to represent his country at the SGP3 World Junior 250cc Championships, to be held in Slovenia and the Czech Republic in May.

“The top 36 in the world are in it,” Nate’s father Kade Smith said.

“They have two qualifiers and then they take the top 16 points scores to the final the following weekend in Prague.

“It’s the highest you can go to in the world.”

Smith and family will be in Europe for about a month, arriving more than a week in advance for preparations and lead-up media.

There is limited official support available for the trip and almost all the costs will need to be shouldered by Smith to make his trip a reality.

The family has started a GoFundMe page to help support the trip and is also offering sponsorship and branding opportunities to local businesses.

Find Smith’s GoFundMe page at https://tinyurl.com/2p98tfbc to learn more and to support the local rider on his way to the world championships.