Just one year after sustaining a potentially career-ending leg injury, a talented and up-and-coming professional flat track motorcycle racer is back on his bike competing.
Dallas Daniels, 22, credits his care team at Carle Health for his triumphant recovery, adding that, without them, his promising career might never have been the same.
Bred for success
Daniels, a native of Mattoon, IL, says his passion for motorcycling runs in the family, which inspired him to start at an early age.
“My late grandfather got my dad into it and my dad got me into it, so it just came so naturally,” Daniels said. “When you’re meant to do something, it’s in you.”
Daniels’ tenacity and competitive spirit quickly led him to great success in flat track racing – one of several variants of competitive motorcycling. By the age of 18, he had numerous Progressive American Flat Track victories under his belt and became part of the famed Estenson Racing team.
Considered one of the most competitive and exciting forms of motorcycle racing, flat track racing is a fast-paced and often dangerous sport. Daniels says he was no stranger to minor injuries throughout his young career, particularly to his upper body.
However, in July 2024, during a routine training session, he suffered an injury more serious than any he had experienced before.
“It was just a normal day, and I was riding motocross while training for my next race,” Daniels said. “I went over a jump that had a knot on it – a big bump in its face. It threw me up over the handlebars, pushed me into the ground and knocked me out.”
It was discovered that Daniels had fractured his right femur. A day later, he was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital (CFH) where trauma surgeon Mark Palermo, DO, performed a successful rod placement procedure.
Daniels’ recovery
Following his surgery, his care team told Daniels he was facing a lengthy recovery time.
“At that point, I thought my season was over and I was just focused on getting back to full health,” Daniels said. “I learned that with femurs, not only is the recovery time long, but trying to get your body back to normal – let alone back on the bike – takes quite a toll.”
Daniels consistently followed the advice of his care team, including experts at Carle Health and his team doctor at Estenson Racing.
After two weeks of rest at home, he began a physical therapy program under the care of Carle Health physical therapist, Mark Masse, PT.
“I can remember our first discussion about the physical demands of racing professionally, what his previous training regimen was and when his next race was scheduled,” Masse said. “I have worked with motorcycle racers before and knew one thing – Dallas would know when he would be ready.”
“Mark gave me hope,” Daniels said. “He sat me down and knew I wasn’t one to quit. I wanted to do whatever it took to get back, but I wanted to be as strong as I could.”
Masse recalls Daniels was very restricted in motion, strength and walking on his first day.
They would meet twice a week, work on various exercises and check Daniels’ progress. Daniels says each week, it felt like he could take bigger and bigger steps.
“The first week, I couldn’t even walk without a walker. But in the second week, it got better,” Daniels said. “By the third week, I could get on a stationary bike, and I improved my distance and time each day.”
Daniels continued to work at home as well – he would walk to and from the driveway and work with leg bands. Once his stitches were removed, he was able to perform water exercises in his grandparents’ pool.
Through each and every stage of his recovery, Masse stuck with Daniels, monitoring his improvements and motivating him to keep going.
“He was always honest with me, he pushed me, and he knew I was willing to put in the work,” Daniels said. “He would encourage me to go that extra little bit, even if it didn’t feel great at first.”
“Dallas was great to work with. He really stuck to our recovery plan, came with questions, and worked hard outside of his therapy sessions,” Masse added.
A swift return
Six weeks after surgery, Daniels restored his mobility and full range of motion.
He then focused on strengthening and working with body weights, recalling if he took even one rest day, he’d feel a setback.
“I had to keep moving and couldn’t sit, or else I would basically lock up and struggle to move,” Daniels said.
Masse quickly recognized Daniels had developed a strong level of strength and functional training.
“I jokingly said he should dress for an upcoming race in Springfield and get on his bike just to scare his competition,” Masse said. “Little did I know he took it to heart – he spoke to his team doctor about his progress and was given the green light to return to the track.”
Daniels ended up making his professional return after just six weeks, missing only three races and finishing with a top 3 placement in the 2024 championship circuit.
“In that initial race, I was out of shape and weak. But as the season went on, I continued to heal and improve,” Daniels said.
Daniels had his final therapy checkup with Masse in November 2024, but they continue to keep in touch, and he says if he ever has questions or a problem to discuss, Masse is there for him.
Masse even attended a race recently and was there to see Daniels score a first-place victory.
“A professional racer has something a lot of people don’t have – being fearless,” Masse said. “We made a great team, and it was remarkable to be able to watch him perform, knowing what he overcame in such a short period of time.”
What’s next?
A little over a year after sustaining his injury, Daniels continues to check in with his care team and monitor his recovery.
He currently competes in the AFT SuperTwins class – considered the most prestigious championship in their series – and holds four wins on the season and a current top 3 placement.
Daniels is working toward his ultimate goal – to secure a Grand National championship. He says the support of his care team, racing team and family keeps him motivated to achieve that goal.
“I want to accomplish it all and keep looking at what’s in front of me. I want to keep winning and support my family by doing what I love,” Daniels said. “If it wasn’t for Mark, I wouldn’t have made such a recovery. His attitude and drive inspired me. He’s a great guy and he’s straight to the truth. I appreciated that.”
“I look forward to watching him go after his very first Grand National championship and I’m excited to keep watching him and following his progress,” Masse said.
According to Progressive American Flat Track Racing, Daniels is considered the favorite to win it all in 2025.
For more information about Carle Health Therapy Services, visit carle.org.
Dallas Daniels, 22, credits his care team at Carle Health for his triumphant recovery, adding that, without them, his promising career might never have been the same.
Bred for success
Daniels, a native of Mattoon, IL, says his passion for motorcycling runs in the family, which inspired him to start at an early age.
“My late grandfather got my dad into it and my dad got me into it, so it just came so naturally,” Daniels said. “When you’re meant to do something, it’s in you.”
Daniels’ tenacity and competitive spirit quickly led him to great success in flat track racing – one of several variants of competitive motorcycling. By the age of 18, he had numerous Progressive American Flat Track victories under his belt and became part of the famed Estenson Racing team.
Considered one of the most competitive and exciting forms of motorcycle racing, flat track racing is a fast-paced and often dangerous sport. Daniels says he was no stranger to minor injuries throughout his young career, particularly to his upper body.
However, in July 2024, during a routine training session, he suffered an injury more serious than any he had experienced before.
“It was just a normal day, and I was riding motocross while training for my next race,” Daniels said. “I went over a jump that had a knot on it – a big bump in its face. It threw me up over the handlebars, pushed me into the ground and knocked me out.”
It was discovered that Daniels had fractured his right femur. A day later, he was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital (CFH) where trauma surgeon Mark Palermo, DO, performed a successful rod placement procedure.
Daniels’ recovery
Following his surgery, his care team told Daniels he was facing a lengthy recovery time.
“At that point, I thought my season was over and I was just focused on getting back to full health,” Daniels said. “I learned that with femurs, not only is the recovery time long, but trying to get your body back to normal – let alone back on the bike – takes quite a toll.”
Daniels consistently followed the advice of his care team, including experts at Carle Health and his team doctor at Estenson Racing.
After two weeks of rest at home, he began a physical therapy program under the care of Carle Health physical therapist, Mark Masse, PT.
“I can remember our first discussion about the physical demands of racing professionally, what his previous training regimen was and when his next race was scheduled,” Masse said. “I have worked with motorcycle racers before and knew one thing – Dallas would know when he would be ready.”
“Mark gave me hope,” Daniels said. “He sat me down and knew I wasn’t one to quit. I wanted to do whatever it took to get back, but I wanted to be as strong as I could.”
Masse recalls Daniels was very restricted in motion, strength and walking on his first day.
They would meet twice a week, work on various exercises and check Daniels’ progress. Daniels says each week, it felt like he could take bigger and bigger steps.
“The first week, I couldn’t even walk without a walker. But in the second week, it got better,” Daniels said. “By the third week, I could get on a stationary bike, and I improved my distance and time each day.”
Daniels continued to work at home as well – he would walk to and from the driveway and work with leg bands. Once his stitches were removed, he was able to perform water exercises in his grandparents’ pool.
Through each and every stage of his recovery, Masse stuck with Daniels, monitoring his improvements and motivating him to keep going.
“He was always honest with me, he pushed me, and he knew I was willing to put in the work,” Daniels said. “He would encourage me to go that extra little bit, even if it didn’t feel great at first.”
“Dallas was great to work with. He really stuck to our recovery plan, came with questions, and worked hard outside of his therapy sessions,” Masse added.
A swift return
Six weeks after surgery, Daniels restored his mobility and full range of motion.
He then focused on strengthening and working with body weights, recalling if he took even one rest day, he’d feel a setback.
“I had to keep moving and couldn’t sit, or else I would basically lock up and struggle to move,” Daniels said.
Masse quickly recognized Daniels had developed a strong level of strength and functional training.
“I jokingly said he should dress for an upcoming race in Springfield and get on his bike just to scare his competition,” Masse said. “Little did I know he took it to heart – he spoke to his team doctor about his progress and was given the green light to return to the track.”
Daniels ended up making his professional return after just six weeks, missing only three races and finishing with a top 3 placement in the 2024 championship circuit.
“In that initial race, I was out of shape and weak. But as the season went on, I continued to heal and improve,” Daniels said.
Daniels had his final therapy checkup with Masse in November 2024, but they continue to keep in touch, and he says if he ever has questions or a problem to discuss, Masse is there for him.
Masse even attended a race recently and was there to see Daniels score a first-place victory.
“A professional racer has something a lot of people don’t have – being fearless,” Masse said. “We made a great team, and it was remarkable to be able to watch him perform, knowing what he overcame in such a short period of time.”
What’s next?
A little over a year after sustaining his injury, Daniels continues to check in with his care team and monitor his recovery.
He currently competes in the AFT SuperTwins class – considered the most prestigious championship in their series – and holds four wins on the season and a current top 3 placement.
Daniels is working toward his ultimate goal – to secure a Grand National championship. He says the support of his care team, racing team and family keeps him motivated to achieve that goal.
“I want to accomplish it all and keep looking at what’s in front of me. I want to keep winning and support my family by doing what I love,” Daniels said. “If it wasn’t for Mark, I wouldn’t have made such a recovery. His attitude and drive inspired me. He’s a great guy and he’s straight to the truth. I appreciated that.”
“I look forward to watching him go after his very first Grand National championship and I’m excited to keep watching him and following his progress,” Masse said.
According to Progressive American Flat Track Racing, Daniels is considered the favorite to win it all in 2025.
For more information about Carle Health Therapy Services, visit carle.org.
Categories: Culture of Quality
Tags: carle, foundation, hospital, injury, physical, recovery, therapy