MOTORCYCLE racer Danial Syahmi Shahril never gave up on his dreams, and his perseverance is beginning to pay dividends in the Asia Talent Cup (ATC) this season.
Danial almost lost his lower right leg in a horrific crash during the ATC season finale at Sepang Circuit in November 2018. He was fighting for the championship at the time.
It took him almost two years to fully recover from his injuries. He is back this season and is now running second in the overall ATC standings after two podium finishes from four races.
The 18-year-old, who hopes to race in the World Championships (MotoGP) one day, remains determined to succeed.
"In my first ATC race since the accident, I remembered my accident as I was crossing the finish line," said Danial.
"I still think about it now and then, but I forget all about it when I am racing nowadays.
"I almost cried when I finished on the podium. I was so happy because it had taken me nearly two years to come back.
"I had spent one year and one month in the hospital. Sometimes my family and coach visited me, but most of the time, I was alone.
"I did physiotherapy daily, and sometimes it would hurt so much that I had to take medicine to sleep.
"But I never gave up on racing. I will continue to work hard and try to improve myself this season."
His comeback story has made him one of the most popular riders on the ATC grid this season, with many fans eager to see him succeed.
Danial finished fifth in his first race back in ATC at the Losail International Circuit last month before taking two second-place results in race three and four at the same track.
Due to a lack of sensation in his right leg, Danial has opted to use a thumb-operated rear brake this season.
The third round of the series (races five and six) will be held at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit on Oct 1-3.