Tamil actor Ajith Kumar, popularly known as “Thala Ajith,” recently made a pit stop in Dubai before heading to Azerbaijan for his upcoming film. While in Dubai, Ajith indulged in his passion for racing by visiting the FIA-licensed Dubai Autodrome track. Fans were delighted to see pictures and videos of him test-driving race cars, which quickly went viral on social media.
The Dubai Autodrome is one of only two FIA-certified tracks in the UAE, the other being the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Its official recognition ensures high safety standards and suitability for professional racing events. Situated just five kilometers from Motor City on Sheikh Zayed Road, the Autodrome covers 5.39 kilometers (3.35 miles) and was designed by Clive Bowen of Apex Circuit Design. It’s part of the Dubai Motor City development, a car and motorsport theme park.
Since its opening in October 2004, the Dubai Autodrome has hosted various prestigious events, including the LG Super Racing Weekend, A1 Grand Prix, and the FIA GT Championship. Notably, it holds the track record for the longest configuration, set by Kamui Kobayashi in a GP2 Asia car. The Autodrome has been home to the Dubai 24 Hour endurance race since 2006. This GT, sports car, and touring car event attracts both professional and semi-professional teams, making it a thrilling annual spectacle.
A Carefree Lap with Thala Ajith
Ajith, known for his love of racing, didn’t participate in any official racing events during his visit. However, he hit the track with other runners for a few carefree laps, showcasing his running skills. In one video, Ajith is seen all smiles, fully dressed, as he jogs and runs around the track. Other videos capture him behind the wheel of race cars, testing their speed and handling.
Support from His Wife and Parents
Ajith’s wife, former actor Shalini, has been an immense support for his passion for car racing. Recalling their conversation, Ajith shared, “I participated in the MRF race, and my wife was there. She said, ‘I saw you smile after such a long time, and you looked very happy.’ When I expressed my interest in racing, she encouraged me to follow my heart. Her unwavering support has allowed me to venture into the world of racing.”
From Films to Racing
As Ajith continues to balance his acting career with his love for races, fans eagerly await more thrilling moments from him. The actor has two announced projects in the works: Adhik Ravichandran’s “Good Bad Ugly” and Magizh Thirumeni’s “Vidaa Muyarchi.”
Ajith Kumar’s journey from the silver screen to the racetrack exemplifies his dedication and passion. Whether he’s entertaining audiences in films or pushing the limits on the track, Thala Ajith continues to captivate hearts worldwide.