Before he was dubbed Thala by millions, Ajith Kumar was a school dropout with a passion for machines—first as a garage mechanic, then as a motorbike enthusiast, and eventually, as a self-made star in Tamil cinema. His rise in the film industry is well documented, but what sets Ajith apart is his unwavering commitment to speed and engineering beyond the silver screen. Long before endorsements and celebrity-sponsored races became common, Ajith was quietly earning his stripes in the Indian motorsport scene. In the early 2000s, at the peak of his stardom, he took a bold detour, signing up for competitive racing in India with MRF Racing, and later in international circuits like Formula BMW Asia and the FIA Formula 2 Championship—eschewing vanity projects for real-time telemetry and lap-time scrutiny.

He’s not just racing anymore—he’s building a legacy. Whether it’s mentoring young racers, setting up AK Racing to nurture homegrown motorsport talent, or obsessively training at tracks like Sepang, Ajith has carved out a rare space where celebrity and sport coexist with mutual respect. In a country where motorsport still struggles for mainstream attention, he’s not merely a participant—he’s a pioneer, using his influence to spark curiosity and drive passion. While other stars settle into legacy roles, Ajith is out there trimming seconds off lap times, helmet on, visor down.

First Competitive Race – 2002 Formula Maruti, Chennai

Ajith made his racing debut in the Formula Maruti series at the Sholavaram track near Chennai—one of F1 stalwart Karun Chandhok's proving grounds. Despite being a film star with no official background in motorsport, he earned praise for his disciplined driving and technical understanding of the cars—finishing at a respectable 4th place.

First Full Season – 2003 Formula BMW Asia Championship

He signed up for the full 2003 season, competing across Asia in a series known for grooming future F1 talent—snagging his first top 10 finish at Malaysia's Sepang Circuit. Ajith finished consistently mid-pack to end the championship in 12th for Team India Racing—no small feat given the field was filled with younger, professionally trained drivers.

Racing in the 2004 British Formula 3 International Series

In 2004, Ajith competed in the British Formula 3 International Series (Scholarship Class) with Mango Racing, becoming one of the few Indians to participate in this prestigious feeder series for Formula 1. British F3 has been a proving ground for legends like Ayrton Senna and Daniel Ricciardo, making Ajith’s entry all the more remarkable. He even secured two podium finishes—proving that he wasn’t just showing up for appearances but had the skill to back it up. Competing on challenging circuits across the UK, Ajith earned quiet respect in the motorsport world for taking on such a high level of competition during the peak of his acting career.

2010 FIA Formula 2 Championship

Ajith became one of the few Indian civilians (and only film actor) to compete in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, representing India across top European circuits like Silverstone and Monza. He raced against upcoming F1 talent, earning respect despite being nearly twice their age. Despite intense physical demands and a tight filming schedule, Ajith completed the entire 2010 F2 season—a milestone that proved his serious intent and endurance as a racer, not just a hobbyist.

Establishing AK Racing

Ajith Kumar’s passion for motorsport led him to establish Ajith Kumar Racing in September 2024, aiming to mentor young enthusiasts and strengthen India’s grassroots racing scene.  The team debuted in the 24H Series European Series, competing in the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup category.  Ajith’s initiative stands out as a rare example of a public figure actively fostering motorsport talent in India.

Winning 3rd Place at the 2025 Dubai 24H Race

After a 13-year hiatus, Ajith returned to racing and secured a third-place finish in the 991 category at the Dubai 24H race in January 2025. Competing alongside teammates Mathieu Detry, Fabian Duffieux, and Cameron McLeod under the Ajith Kumar Racing team, this marked a triumphant comeback.

2025 12H Mugello Race

Continuing his impressive 2025 streak, Ajith’s team clinched another third-place podium in the 992 AM category at the 12H Mugello race in Italy. The race, held under challenging wet conditions, saw Ajith and his teammates, Fabian Duffieux and Mathieu Detry, display exceptional skill and teamwork.