Photo Provided

Jaret Nassaney, a Choctaw tribal member and professional MotoGP racer, has been making a name for himself in the MotoAmerica circuit.

Nassaney is “one to watch” in MotoGP Racing

By Christian Toews
January 3, 2023

In recent years, Jaret Nassaney has raced his way up the MotoAmerica circuit rankings.

With tenth place in 2021 and seventh overall in the 2022 seasons, he hopes to continue this progression next year.

“My goal is to be on the podium next year,” Nassaney said.

This dream is a genuine possibility, according to those around Nassaney. An article published on motoamerica.com praised Nassaney’s results and claimed he is “one to watch” in upcoming seasons.
Nassaney is not only an accomplished professional MotoGP racer, but he is also a proud Choctaw tribal member.

Although he lives in Altus, Oklahoma, his ties to the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma run deep.

According to Nassaney, his family has always been aware of their Choctaw heritage and clung to many historical documents passed down from generation in his family.

He is also different from most competitors because he keeps a full-time job as a Dedicated Crew Chief for a KC-46 at Altus Airforce Base and finds time to train and race.

According to Nassaney, his interest in MotoGP began in 2013 when his father, George Nassaney, owner of Altus Power Sports, won tickets to one of the largest MotoGP races in the country in Austin, Texas.

“I saw them racing, and I told my dad I wanted to try this,” he said. Although Jaret and his older brother grew up around motorcycles, they mainly rode dirt bikes and enjoyed it, but it never caught his attention like MotoGP.

“I rode dirt bikes all the time growing up with my brother, and I really enjoyed that, but I was never really competitive,” said Nassaney.

Photo Provided<br>Pictured are Jaret Nassaney and his wife, Maclay Nassaney.

The following year Nassaney and his dad converted a Ninja 250 into a road racing bike and began racing.

Nassaney has raced for over eight years and moved up in the Moto America rankings. The size of his engine has also moved up. He said he is now riding a Suzuki GSX-R 750.

According to George Nassaney, his son’s talent was evident in his first race.

“Honestly, after the first time we raced up at a track in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at his first CMRA (Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association) race, he was already doing pretty good for never ever racing one of these bikes. We thought this kid could maybe do something,” he said.

According to his father, the results that Jaret has seen are a product of hard work.

“I am very proud of him. He goes to work at 7:30 in the morning, and he goes straight to the gym after work. He trains hard, and he’s married; he has a lot going on,” said George.

Nassaney works with a motorcycle coach and works hard to dial in his riding performance on top of all the other training he does.

While MotoGP comes with many challenges and risks, Nassaney has already overcome one of the biggest challenges of his life.

While on the way back from a trip to Austria when he was 14, he became very sick.

After extensive testing, doctors determined he had contracted a rare disease called Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

ADEM is an autoimmune condition that often occurs after a child has an infection, such as a cold. The immune system protects the body from invaders, like bacteria and viruses. Autoimmune diseases confuse the body’s immune system. Instead of fighting against bacteria or viruses, it attacks healthy cells and tissues.

According to his father, Jaret fought for his life for about six months.

“He almost passed away at 14. So, he has had a lot of cards dealt to him at a young age,” he said.
His struggle with ADEM makes his success in racing even more meaningful for their entire family.
Jaret Nassaney lives in Altus with his wife and races for Altus Motorsport’s team.

The team is sponsored by Altus Motorsports, FLY Racing, WPS, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Moto-D Racing, Bonamici, Hot Bodies Racing, M4 Exhausts, Vortex EK, Motion Pro, Barnett, Maxima Racing Oils, SBS Brakes, Galfer USA, Ohlins, K-Tech, RS Taichi, Arai, Law Tigers Oklahoma and Altus Factory Racing.

To follow Nassaney in the 2023 season, which starts in April, you can follow him on social media or look for news and updates on MotoAmerica’s website.