Crash at European Endurance Event
Actor and professional racer Ajith Kumar escaped unhurt after his car lost control and collided with another vehicle during a high-speed endurance racing event in Europe, according to multiple reports published on Sunday, August 23. The incident occurred while Kumar was competing in endurance championships that include the Asian Le Mans Series and the Michelin Le Mans Cup, as reported by India Today and The Times of India.
A report by Filmibeat, cited by several outlets, stated that Kumar's car lost control and hit another vehicle during the race. While the crash was severe, Kumar reportedly did not suffer any serious injuries. The competition itself was challenging, with teams facing technical issues, including problems with the wheels, according to Times Now and The Times of India.
The crash caused concern among fans as footage and reports of the incident circulated. Kumar's fans took to social media to express their worry, and reports indicated he was safe and well, The Times of India noted.
A History of Surviving Crashes
This latest incident is not the first time Kumar has walked away from a significant racing accident. In 2025, his car crashed during the GT4 European Series in Italy but he was not injured, as reported by India Today, Outlook India, and others. NewsX provided additional detail, noting that the crash occurred at Italy's Misano circuit, where his car collided with a stationary vehicle, and that Kumar was seen helping marshals clear debris from the track afterward.
Earlier in 2025, Kumar survived a double-rollover crash during the Porsche Sprint Challenge in Valencia, Spain, according to India Today, NewsX, and Times Now. NewsX reported that his car collided with another vehicle and overturned twice, but he was able to walk away and continue racing.
Kumar had also escaped unharmed when his Porsche crashed during practice for the 24H Dubai endurance race, as reported by multiple sources. NewsX added that his Porsche spun several times before hitting the barriers at around 180 kmph during that January 2025 incident.
A Racing Career Alongside Cinema
Kumar's motorsport career spans decades. He began racing motorcycles in the early 1990s before moving into single-seater competition, later competing in Formula BMW Asia and the FIA Formula Two Championship, according to NewsX. He drove in the 2003 Formula Asia BMW Championships and has competed in events such as the Creventic 24H Series and the GT4 European Series, as noted by India Today and Outlook India.
In 2024, Kumar launched Ajith Kumar Racing, returning to professional endurance racing after a long break. The team made its 24H Series debut at the 2025 Michelin 24H Dubai, with Kumar serving as both team owner and driver, NewsX reported.
Kumar on Crashes and Racing
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India last year, Kumar discussed his mindset after a crash. He said: "When I crash, I try to understand if I have been hurt. That's my immediate response. How bad am I hurt, how bad the car is, and if I can restart. Once you make sure you are okay and the car is okay, your adrenaline kicks in."
He added: "The only thought is not wanting a DNF. I just think, 'I want to finish (the race) today.' You are worried for your family. It's not fair on our part to be putting them through so much stress. Unfortunately, I have had some terrible crashes, but so have other drivers. It's just that I am an actor, so it makes headlines."
On quitting racing, Kumar said: "I'm blessed that so far, my injuries have not been bad enough to make me miss a practice session or a race. And in the film industry, I have undergone 29 surgeries. There are two ways you can go about living your life. You can complain, or learn lessons and move on. Once you are economically sound, you understand what money can or can't buy, and if you're a giver or a taker. Wealth can make you a monster."
What's Next for Ajith Kumar
Away from the track, Kumar was last seen in the films "Vidaamuyarchi" and "Good Bad Ugly." He is next set to appear in "Daredevil," directed by Adhik Ravichandran, according to India Today, Outlook India, and The Times of India. The Times of India also reported that the film is being produced by Shalini Ajith Kumar's Bravehearts Productions.
India Today noted that the poster for Kumar's racing documentary "Gladiators" has also been unveiled, with the film tracing his motorsport journey.