During the day, Firdaus is a lecturer at Management and Science University (MSU) in the Media Science and Graphic department teaching subjects related to art and design. Previously, he was a lecturer at KRU academy, teaching Visual Effects.
But before his mild-mannered life, he donned a helmet as an Advanced and Defensive Driving instructor at the Asia Advanced Driving Academy (AADA), a role he held for 10 years. He emphasised that he often promoted road safety as an instructor via Defensive Driving course in Malaysia and even outside Malaysia.
During his years as an instructor he also continued to cultivate his main pursuit, racing cars!
Firdaus with Janna Nik as her Defensive Driving course instructor at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Season 1
His passion for racing began when he first got behind the wheel of his house mates’ Subaru Impreza way back in 2004. To achieve his dream of becoming a racer, he began pursuing driving courses with his own money.
At AADA, he approached his instructors and told them his dream of becoming a racer, but with no money or sponsors, participating in races was difficult.
“Honestly, if you want to become a race car driver you need a lot of money to buy racing accessories such as gloves, racing suits, racing shoes and so on. You also need to spend some on cars and hire some mechanics to do modifications and maintenance.
Firdaus in 2014 at the Redbull Rookies event at Sepang as one of the instructors for the team
“For me, I couldn't afford any of those as I don't have extra money or sponsorship to support my dream to become a race car driver,” Firdaus revealed.
His instructors saw the passion he held and offered him a role as an instructor at the academy and it would take 10 years of work, racing go karts, and waiting before he was finally given the chance to race in Sepang.
Firdaus in a modified Perodua Kelisa at the 24-hours Japan K-Car Endurance Race
“Akademi Motorsport from Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Belia Negara (IKTBN) approached me and my fellow instructors to join the 24-hours Japan K-Car Endurance Race at Sepang Circuit in 2019. With the support from Mr Kenvin [his instructor] and AADA, I get to fulfill my wish of becoming a race car driver.”
He admits that since COVID he has not raced again but he is still holding on to hope. He’s looking forward to entering the 1000km Sepang race and his next dream is to enter the Toyota Gazoo racing in 5 years time.
At 38 years old, Firdaus’ fire is still going strong in pursuit of a dream he’s held onto for 18 years.
“I just want to say that, if you have a dream, hold on to it. It might just come true one day even though you don't have the money or power to achieve it but just try to work towards it even a little. It will be worth the wait.”
If you’re looking to make a dream come true, maybe sponsor Firdaus and his team?