Tamil cinema superstar Ajith Kumar, fondly known as Thala, is not just a screen icon. He is one of the few Indian film actors who has built a serious, long-term career in professional motorsport. From Formula Maruti in India to international endurance racing in Europe and Asia, Ajith has consistently proved that his passion for racing is genuine and competitive.

For NRIs who follow both Tamil cinema and motorsport, Ajith’s dual journey is a source of pride. Here is a complete look at his racing career, key achievements and current standing.

Early Racing Career (2002–2010)

Ajith began competitive racing relatively late in life, at the age of 31.

  • 2002: Debuted in the Formula Maruti Championship in India and finished 4th on his first outing.
  • 2003: Competed in the full Formula BMW Asia Championship with Team India Racing. Finished 12th overall with 29 points after 11 races.
  • 2004: Took part in the British Formula 3 International Series (Scholarship class) with Mango Racing. Secured two podium finishes and ended the championship in seventh place with 70 points.
  • 2010: Entered the FIA Formula Two Championship with MotorSport Vision. Competed in six races and finished 24th overall. He was one of only a handful of Indians to race in the FIA F2 series that year.

These early years established Ajith as a serious competitor rather than a celebrity hobbyist — a distinction that stayed with him even as he stepped away from the sport for a long stretch.

Return to Racing and Team Ownership (2024–Present)

After a long break focused on cinema, Ajith made a strong comeback in late 2024 by founding Ajith Kumar Racing. He prepared rigorously, reportedly losing significant weight, and returned to the track in 2025 with a full international calendar.

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Key results in 2025 and 2026 (as reported)

  • Dubai 24H Series (January 2025): Third place in the 991 category with Ajith Kumar Racing by BKR. Also received the “Spirit of the Race” award for a strong debut season effort.
  • Multiple podium finishes in the Michelin 24H Series, including strong runs at Mugello and Spa-Francorchamps.
  • Solid results in the GT4 European Series (Am class), reportedly finishing seventh overall with 72 points.
  • Competed in the 2025–26 Asian Le Mans Series (LMP3 class) with Team Virage alongside former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan. Reportedly finished 13th overall.
  • Racing in the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup (LMP3 Pro-Am) with Ajith RedAnt by Virage — currently in the mid-field with points from multiple rounds.
  • Second-place class finish at the prestigious Spa-Francorchamps 24H (2026) in the GT3 Pro-Am category.
  • Multiple top-10 and strong class finishes across 12-hour and 24-hour endurance races in Europe and Asia.

In 2025 Ajith was awarded the prestigious Philippe Charriol Gentleman Driver of the Year honour in Venice, presented by Stéphane Ratel of the SRO Motorsports Group — a recognition reserved for drivers who combine competitive performance with the true spirit of motorsport.

Current Ranking & Status (as of September 2026)

Ajith does not hold a single overall “world ranking” like full-time professional drivers in Formula 1 or the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), because he competes primarily as a gentleman driver (FIA Bronze category) in endurance racing.

However, his recent standing includes:

  • Competitive mid-field to top-half positions in LMP3 and GT3 Pro-Am classes.
  • Consistent points finishes in the Michelin 24H Series and the Le Mans Cup.
  • A DriverDB rating in the mid-800s range among currently active endurance drivers.
  • Team owner and lead driver of Ajith RedAnt Racing / Ajith RedAnt by Virage, which continues to score results in international endurance events.

Across his full career he has competed in more than 70 professional races across Formula, GT4, GT3 and LMP3 categories, with multiple podium finishes in the endurance era of his career.

Why Ajith’s Racing Journey Matters to NRIs

Ajith represents a rare combination: a major film star who treats racing as a second profession rather than a publicity exercise. He funds and runs his own team, races under his own name, and partners with experienced Indian and international professionals including Narain Karthikeyan.

For the Indian diaspora, his story is inspiring — it shows dedication, discipline and the willingness to compete on equal terms on international circuits while still delivering major films. It also gives Indian motorsport a genuine ambassador at a time when the sport is slowly building an audience across the diaspora.

Looking Ahead

Ajith has openly stated that his long-term goal is to progress through prototype categories (LMP3 → LMP2) with the dream of competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His current focus remains on endurance racing with his team while selectively balancing film projects.

If he can maintain his current pace and level of preparation, an Indian film star reaching the Le Mans grid would be a milestone moment for Indian motorsport and for the diaspora audience that follows both cinema and racing.

Quick Facts: Ajith Kumar in Motorsport

  • Racing debut: 2002, Formula Maruti Championship (India)
  • Highest single-seater level: FIA Formula Two (2010)
  • Current focus: Endurance racing — LMP3 and GT3 Pro-Am
  • Team: Ajith RedAnt Racing (also Ajith RedAnt by Virage)
  • Frequent teammate: Narain Karthikeyan (Asian Le Mans Series)
  • Recent honour: Philippe Charriol Gentleman Driver of the Year (2025)
  • Long-term goal: 24 Hours of Le Mans

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ajith Kumar a professional racing driver?

Yes, in the FIA classification he is registered as a gentleman driver (Bronze category) and competes on international circuits with his own team. He is not a full-time Formula 1 or WEC professional.

What is Ajith Kumar’s team called?

The team is known as Ajith Kumar Racing, and in some endurance campaigns operates as Ajith RedAnt Racing or Ajith RedAnt by Virage.

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Has Ajith Kumar raced in Formula 1?

No. His highest single-seater level was the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2010. His current focus is endurance sports-car racing.

What is the Gentleman Driver of the Year award?

It is the Philippe Charriol Gentleman Driver of the Year honour, presented under the umbrella of the SRO Motorsports Group. It recognises drivers who combine competitive performance with the spirit of motorsport.

Does Ajith Kumar plan to race at Le Mans?

He has publicly stated that a long-term ambition is to progress through LMP3 and LMP2 categories with the aim of racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Ajith Kumar’s racing career is a powerful reminder that passion, when pursued with seriousness, can create a parallel legacy beyond cinema.

For more stories on Indian achievers, sports and cultural pride from the diaspora, stay connected with NRI Globe.

Disclaimer: Motorsport results and championship positions are reported based on publicly available sources as of September 2026 and may be adjusted retrospectively by governing bodies. NRI Globe provides journalism and general information only.