KUANTAN: Early last year, Mohd Hamirul Aliff Abd Halim made a life-changing decision — he quit his job as a tyre technician to fully support his 11-year-old son's dream of becoming a professional motorcycle racer.

Now 33, he clocks over 1,000km each month driving to the Terengganu Motor Circuit in Gong Badak, determined to give Al-Adam Mikail the best shot at junior racing success.

Al-Adam Mikail showed early promise in professional racing when he was crowned champion in the 110cc category of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Ohvale Junior Championship last year.

This year, he is competing in the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series (160cc category), with three rounds remaining.

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Al-Adam Mikail shows the trophies he has won. - NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN

The youngest of three siblings, Al-Adam Mikail now has his sights set on a podium finish in the upcoming three rounds scheduled for Johor next month, Cheras in August, and Sepang in October which would qualify him for a spot in the FIM MiniGP World Series Finals at the end of the year.

Hamirul Aliff said his decision last year was rooted in belief, sacrifice, and a deep love for helping his son make a mark on the global motorcycle racing stage.

"I am not a superbike enthusiast and do not even own one. Adam was only seven years old when he followed his cousin to a pocket bike (minibike) clinic and after returning home from the session, he told his mother he wanted a similar bike.

"Thinking it was just a new hobby, my wife bought a second-hand bike. We began taking him to train at a mini racing track in Maran, and he spent three years racing in local pocket bike competitions before we enrolled him in the junior championship last year," he told NST when met at his home in Sungai Isap today.

Al-Adam Mikail (centre), poses with his father, Mohd Hamirul Aliff Abd Halim (left), and mother Ruseedah Useng. - NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN

Hamirul Aliff said that since the junior championship required focused training and better preparation, he discussed with his wife, Ruseedah Useng, 45, and made the decision to quit his job to fully support Adam's training, and competitions.

"Since last year, we travel three times a month to Gong Badak.

Adam is a close friend of Terengganu's young racer Qabil Irfan (Azlan).

"Hence we usually stay at his house, and his father helps out during training.

"I have taken up part-time work as a delivery rider to support my wife, who runs a food stall. When I am in Terengganu for Adam's training, I also help out at a friend's workshop.

"The part-time job gives me the flexibility to plan our travel for competitions andprepare the machines. Usually, we are away from home for about a week during race events....this would not be possible with a full-time job.

Mohd Hamirul Aliff Abd Halim shows the trophy won by Al-Adam Mikail in the 2024 Mini CubPrix Overall Champion. - NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN

"My son has exceeded my expectations in racing, and I hope he can become a professional rider through proper coaching and guidance. He has been working hard, and we want to give him the best opportunity to represent the country," he said.

His mother, Ruseedah, said that when her husband and son are away for training and competitions, she manages the household with help from her 23-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son.

"They are often away for several days, sometimes even a week or two. I believe it is a parent's duty to support their children's dreams...we have spent more than RM50,000 from our savings, aside from assistance from the Pahang government and sponsorship from his team.

"Last year, Adam competed on a China-made VMC MiniGP bike, which we later sold to buy an Italian bike for RM30,000 so he could race in the 160cc category this year... it's definitely an expensive venture," she said with a smile.

A selection of trophies won by Al-Adam Mikail in the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Ohvale Junior Championship (110cc) and FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series (160cc). - NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN

Meanwhile, Adam, a Year Five pupil at SK Sungai Isap, said he secured podium finishes in the first two rounds - Sepang and Beranang, both in Selangor - of this year's MiniGP series and is looking forward to the remaining three races, despite sustaining a minor injury on his left leg during training session a few days ago.

Sporting a scar on his chin caused by a motorcycle exhaust burn following a fall during training, Adam described the incidents as part and parcel of getting into the sport.

"I believe I am improving over the years in handling the bike. Each time I race in a new category, the bike gets faster and more challenging.

"My goal is to finish on the podium in the remaining three rounds so I can qualify for the World Finals in Spain. That would make my family proud, especially after all the sacrifices they have made for me to compete," he said.

Regarding his studies, Adam said that although he has to miss school due to his racing commitments, he always brings his books along and makes sure to do the necessary revisions to ensure he is not left behind.

Adam is an avid fan of Hakim Danish Ramli, the 17-year-old rider from Terengganu who recently made headlines by winning the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in Spain.

Inspired by Hakim's success, Adam now hopes to follow in his footsteps and make his own entry into the global racing arena.