How Did Ajith Kumar's Passion for Racing Begin?

Synopsis
Discover the origins of Ajith Kumar's thrilling journey into motorsport! In a candid interview, the actor reveals how childhood experiences and family ties ignited his passion for racing. From early days to becoming a team owner, learn about his achievements and inspirations in this captivating story.
Key Takeaways
- Ajith Kumar's passion for racing began in childhood.
- Family connections played a crucial role in his journey.
- He idolizes Ayrton Senna, a legendary figure in racing.
- Ajith Kumar Racing has achieved notable success in recent competitions.
- His story inspires others to pursue their dreams.
Chennai, May 20 (NationPress) Actor Ajith Kumar, who is making the country proud in the realm of motorsport and is currently competing in Europe, has shared insights on how his enthusiasm for racing began.
In a recent interview with Mashable, Ajith revealed, "My initial introduction to motorsport occurred when I was around five or six years old during the mid to late seventies. My late father, P S Mani, was in the pharmaceutical sector and worked for a Mumbai-based firm. One of the managing directors, whom we fondly referred to as Vimal uncle, raced for Vijay Mallya's team. He had a close relationship with someone I knew as Chewy uncle, a prominent tuner. So, this is where it all started."
Ajith reminisced about eagerly awaiting the first two weeks of February as a child. "After school, we would have a quick meal and rush down. The mechanics would involve us in activities, giving us engine blocks to work with, carbon tape, and petroleum brushes. That’s how our passion ignited. We would sit in the car, pretending to be race car drivers, practicing gear shifts even when the car was stationary. Deep down, I always aspired to be a race car driver. We were also into motorcycles, and I began riding at a young age. It was always about either motorcycles or cars, but my heart was set on racing on a track."
When asked about his racing idol, Ajith stated, "My ultimate inspiration is Ayrton Senna."
For those who may not know, Ajith is not just a participant in racing; he also owns the Ajith Kumar Racing team. His teammates include Mathieu Detry, Fabian Duffieux, and Cameron McLeod. The team has partnered with Bas Koeten Racing for technical and logistical support.
Starting the year strong, the team secured third place in the 991 category of the 24H Dubai 2025. They recently achieved another third position in the highly competitive 12H Mugello car racing event in Italy and followed that with a commendable second place at the Creventic Endurance Race at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup category.