In this mundane world, where everybody is fighting for survival and, for a comfortable and lavish lifestyle, how many of us would consider a life that is uniquely passionate? A little trite no doubt, 'let's get down to earth', you would say. Our writer, Danny Er sits down with Denis Lian for a chat to uncover this passion for car racing and an out-of- the ordinary life.

"Go for it. Life is too short to be frightened. At the end, I know I did what I want to do and I enjoy my life. I pursue the passion and believe that as long as you put in the effort, things will come eventually."

These are the words of passion put forth vicariously from a man who at a very young age sets out to pursue his dream to be a professional racing driver. He started learning driving from his dad at the age of nine.

Denis Lian, 31, culminates almost a decade of race-car driving experience in winning the 2002 Asian Formula 2000 Championship in his second season.

"Racing is something that you grow into like a burning passion," Denis adds. "Motivation shouldn't be money, but winning spirit is (the motivation)."

Currently, Denis is contracted for the legendary Lotus sports car marque in the regions premier endurance races like the 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance and the 24-hour Bathurst race in Australia.

In the Asian Formula 2000 Series- which has evolved into the Formula BMW series- where he won the championship, he piped his nearest and fierce competitor, Mike Potenciano at the last race for the much coveted cup and a place on the podium.

Denis puts it succinctly: "It is more than a game of guts; you've to have the mental approach for the mind games."

"The stress was really intense but I strive on pressure and have always been determined and competitive in nature," he puts it fervently.

A Singaporean at heart

These traits were evident at a young age where an effervescent and competitive Denis grew up in Telok Kurau with a proclivity for the outdoors, excelling in most sports especially sailing. Not surprisingly, since both sports are similar in their "interface with the mechanics involved".

His Dad is a retired Singapore Airlines Flight Instructor- you can tell where his reflexes and hand-eye coordination comes from- and Mum is a businesswoman.

The precocious young man has grown up now into a competitive and yet stoic motor racer. Today, meeting him in his casual jeans and top, he looks casual and relaxed with an unassuming ease. The waitress at the restaurant hardly notices us until I took out my notepad for the interview.

Yet, it is still quite implausible that he is not recognised on the streets since he is really the first Singaporean to win an international racing event

To him, winning the Asian Formula 2000 as a Singaporean is a very emotional experience for him.

"When I stood on the podium and they played the Singapore national anthem, I was almost moved to tears," adds a beaming Denis. "To have won it without much support, to come through despite the hurdles fills me with a sense of pride."

A Trying Professional Career

In the inexorable pursuit for his passion, he has to stop thinking about a normal Singaporean's pursuit of the 'accoutrements of lifestyle'- especially in the pursuit of the 5Cs and a lavish lifestyle.

Turning professional in 2001, he always faces difficulties in gaining financial support from the Singapore entities.

Despite this, his stubborn streak and the rebellious rascal in him since his younger days gives him a sanguine altitude in trying times when looking for sponsors, as he starts mingling and networking, sniffing out potential sponsors along the way.

Motor sport is not just only a sport on the track, but one that requires a business-mind and entrepreneurial spirit. It needs him to run it like a business and to be resilient when he has to take knocks of rejections whilst literally knocking on doors for support.

"Humility is essential" to gain the support that he needs both financially and mentally. But he needs to be at a point, hovering at a competitor's confidence- this sometimes borders on arrogance - and yet be able to bring himself to ground when needed.

Denis feels there is a negative undertone attached to the motor racing, because of the illegal street races that still exists in Singapore. The sport has a bad image with many parents- this included Denis's parents who were initially not too supportive- due to its dangerous nature.

"(You have to) know what you are getting into. Know that to spectators it looks good, but the money isn't all that good and the fact that it is a difficult life. But if you have the passion, go for it." Denis advises.

It will be better off for these kids to be introduced to the sport in a safety-controlled and conducive environment like a proper circuit rather than on the streets where it is too dangerous.

Future Plans

Denis's age is catching up and he knows that chances are slim that he will be able to make it to the holy grail of motor sports, the F1 Grand Prix.

But to reach that level, he feels that it is more of just the ability and talent, the racer also requires to be at the right time and place.

But he will continue his passion for racing in the region's endurance races, while taking up a position with Lotus Car Singapore as its new General Manager.

With any luck, we will be able to hear from him again as he continues to achieve glory for Singapore in Motor sport racing.

"You are as a good as your last race," he seems to put it all so prudently.

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