Paraplegic motocross rider racing into history

Darius Glover is a paraplegic motocross rider hoping to make history by winning a national title, reports CBS News correspondent Michelle Miller.

Glover has one more race before he qualifies for the Amateur Motocross National Championship later this summer, riding a dirt bike without the use of his legs.

"I didn't think I'd be able to ride...let alone ride, but race motocross competitively and especially at the level that I'm competing at, it's crazy," the 24-year-old Glover said.

Glover is the first paraplegic motocross racer.

"Makes my heart happy. It just makes me happy," he said. "I love riding dirt bikes."

Racing against his competitors, Glover has to compensate for being paralyzed from the waste down.

"They have a huge advantage because they can put their legs out, its kind of weight and balance. When you come into a turn, you put your leg out. But for me, I have to reteach myself how to ride," he said. "The way I ride is totally different than any other rider because they are able to pick themselves up if they fall, able to put their leg out, able to stand up on a jump. Its totally different and I figured out how to do it without putting my legs down."

At 15 years old, Glover experienced just how dangerous motocross can be. A terrible crash mangled his body, leaving him bound to a wheel chair for the rest of his life.

"I went to do a jump out of a corner and it was wet, I didn't know it, lost all the momentum coming up to the jump, and I ended up not making it all the way, I flipped over the handle bars and the bike followed me down to the ground," he said. "I remember it drilling me into the ground, and I tried to get up once, my legs didn't work. It felt like someone set my back on fire, and that's when I knew."

He suffered severe injuries, including a broken back, neck and hip.

"It almost killed me, but I am still here. God put me here for a reason, so it wasn't my time I guess," he said.

Most people would give up the sport at that point, but he said he was taught to never quit.

Confined to his hospital bed for more than a year, Glover began to sketch his future in motocross. Now he rides a specially designed bike.

Cages on both sides of the bike secure his legs to prevent damage in the event of a fall, the back break was re-positioned to the left handlebar and the clutch is now a smaller lever that sits above the back break. Glover also wears a seat belt to secure him to the bike and uses ratchet straps to fasten his feet.

Glover's family helps him prepare for race days, but his mom Cynthia is more inspired by his positive outlook than his accomplishments on the track.

"I have no doubt that had he not been injured he probably wouldn't be as positive about life. It has given me courage, you know, just looking at what he all has to go through. I never complain anymore," she said.

Glover hopes his motivation to win a national title and positive attitude will inspire others.

"Now that I've been in this situation and been able to help other people, or see other people live their dreams, you know, just because I'm living mine, it makes me happy and being able to do that, it's a joy," he said.

Glover is not only making a difference on the track. He's developed a non-profit called Live and Learn where he gives motivational speeches to schools and visits local hospitals inspiring patients faced with disabilities.