Latest news with #24HDubai
Zawya
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Dubai Autodrome to stage a packed motorsport season after historic landmark campaign
Dubai: Dubai Autodrome General Manager Faisal Al Sahlawi has said the new 2025/26 motorsport season will be one of its busiest after reflecting on an 'incredible' milestone campaign that attracted a record-breaking attendance at 24H Dubai during its 20th anniversary celebrations. Dubai Autodrome, a subsidiary of Union Properties, recently closed out its season after hosting more than 15 racing competitions over the last six months. Among the events that took place include the annual endurance motorsport competition, 24H Dubai, which saw more than 70 teams, including the largest GT3, as well as the fifth Asian Le Mans, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, Formula 4 Middle East Championship, Formula Woman Nations Cup and other several regional motorsport events. Furthermore, the venue held more than 80 motorcycle and car track days, and 20 roll racing events for the local community. The season was part of Dubai Autodrome's 20th anniversary, which was celebrated at the 24H Dubai, and Al Sahlawi believes the upcoming season which will start in October solidifies the venue as a leading destination for motorsport and entertainment in the region. He said: 'We are very pleased with the recent motorsport season, which coincided with the 20-year celebrations of Dubai Autodrome. Overall, there was exciting and competitive racing on the track with bigger grids and an array of top international and regional drivers in action, while off the track, there was a record number of spectators for the 24H Dubai with more than 30,000 attendees for this flagship event. This shows that motorsport is growing in the UAE and is going from strength to strength, which bodes well for the future.' He added: 'Planning is already underway for the new 2025/26 season, and it will be one of the busiest seasons at Dubai Autodrome, as we have the Gulf Historic back, where iconic 1960s cars and historic F1 cars from the 70s and 80s will all be on display, as well as top racing on the track. There will also be four international races, including the 24H Dubai, and an array of top regional and local motorsport competitions where we expect to have a greater number of participants during the course of the season.' Off the track, Dubai Autodrome's motorsport season is also contributing to the country's economic growth. Al Sahlawi said: 'Overall, we had approximately more than 55,000 people be part of our motorsport events from race teams, drivers, and officials, and that saw airlines, hotels and hospitality services benefit greatly, especially with their families and friends also travelling. 'Not only are we pleased to be playing our part to support the UAE's growth beyond the motorsport races but is also a testament to the success of Union Properties' vision of enhancing Dubai Autodrome's position as a leading motorsport hub in the region.' Media Contact: Seven Media Denzil Pinto denzilpinto@ About Dubai Autodrome Completed in 2004, the 'Dubai Autodrome', a subsidiary of Union Properties, was the UAE's first fully-integrated multipurpose motorsport and entertainment facility. At the heart of the Union Properties MotorCity development, it includes an FIA-sanctioned 5.39km circuit with six different configurations, a race school, indoor and outdoor karting tracks, the Grandstand Retail Plaza, the Motorsport Business Park, and a paddock hospitality zone overlooking the track.
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
Dubai Autodrome set to host a packed motorsport season
Dubai Autodrome General Manager Faisal Al Sahlawi has said the new 2025-26 motorsport season will be one of its busiest after reflecting on an 'incredible' milestone campaign that attracted a record-breaking attendance at 24H Dubai during its 20th anniversary celebrations. Dubai Autodrome recently closed out its season after hosting more than 15 racing competitions over the last six months. Among the events that took place include the annual endurance motorsport competition, 24H Dubai, which saw more than 70 teams, including the largest GT3, as well as the fifth Asian Le Mans, Formula Regional Middle East Championship, Formula 4 Middle East Championship, Formula Woman Nations Cup and other several regional motorsport events. Furthermore, the venue held more than 80 motorcycle and car track days, and 20 roll racing events for the local community. The season was part of Dubai Autodrome's 20th anniversary, which was celebrated at the 24H Dubai, and Sahlawi believes the upcoming season which will start in October solidifies the venue as a leading destination for motorsport and entertainment in the region. He said: 'We are very pleased with the recent motorsport season, which coincided with the 20-year celebrations of Dubai Autodrome. Overall, there was exciting and competitive racing on the track with bigger grids and an array of top international and regional drivers in action, while off the track, there was a record number of spectators for the 24H Dubai with more than 30,000 attendees for this flagship event. This shows that motorsport is growing in the UAE and is going from strength to strength, which bodes well for the future.' He added: 'Planning is already underway for the new 2025-26 season, and it will be one of the busiest seasons at Dubai Autodrome, as we have the Gulf Historic back, where iconic 1960s cars and historic F1 cars from the 70s and 80s will all be on display, as well as top racing on the track. 'There will also be four international races, including the 24H Dubai, and an array of top regional and local motorsport competitions where we expect to have a greater number of participants during the course of the season.' Off the track, Dubai Autodrome's motorsport season is also contributing to the country's economic growth. Al Sahzlawi said: 'Overall, we had approximately more than 55,000 people be part of our motorsport events from race teams, drivers, and officials, and that saw airlines, hotels and hospitality services benefit greatly, especially with their families and friends also travelling. 'Not only are we pleased to be playing our part to support the UAE's growth beyond the motorsport races but is also a testament to the success of Union Properties' vision of enhancing Dubai Autodrome's position as a leading motorsport hub in the region.'
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ajith Kumar shares how Subhash Chandra Bose encouraged him pursue racing
Apart from entertaining fans with his widely celebrated blockbuster hits in Tamil cinema , Thala Ajith Kumar is not just a talented actor but also a passionate motorsports enthusiast. His love for racing dates back to his teenage years, and in a recent interview, Ajith revealed the person who inspired him to take his racing seriously. The moment that changed everything During a conversation with Mashable India, Ajith recalled an endurance race he participated in back in September 1990. Despite finishing fifth, the event became a turning point in his racing journey when Subhash Chandra Bose , a respected figure in the motorsports community, approached him at the pits. Bose encouraged Ajith to pursue motorsports, recognising the potential and passion within him. "I remember Mr Subhash Chandra Bose walking to my pits, and he said you should pursue motorsports. It's there in you," he said. Balancing stardom and speed Ajith has been a prominent figure in the film industry for over three decades, delivering some of the biggest hits in Tamil cinema. Despite his busy schedule, he has always found time to nurture his passion for racing. When asked about managing both demanding careers, Ajith credited the film industry for giving him the financial stability to support his racing pursuits. He shared that his father had given him a simple yet profound piece of advice: "The day you earn your bread and butter, you can do whatever you want to", this is when he decided to start racing in 2002. Ajith's dedication to motorsports is well-known among his fans and peers. He has competed in several national and international racing events, earning respect not just as an actor but also as a serious racer. In early 2025, Ajith's racing team secured a podium finish by clinching third place in the highly competitive 24H Dubai race held at the Dubai Autodrome. On the work front, he was last seen in ' Good Bad Ugly ', which was highly appreciated among the fans. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
News18
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- News18
Ajith Kumar Says Subash Chandra Bose Inspired His Racing Dream: ‘Dad Told Me To Find Sponsors'
Last Updated: At 54, while still a leading man in films, Ajith has returned to motorsports which he has loved since his youth. Ajith Kumar has long been one of Tamil cinema's most celebrated stars, but his heart lies on the racetrack. At 54, while still a leading man in films, Ajith has returned to motorsports which he has loved since his youth. His team, Ajith Kumar Racing, recently delivered an impressive performance at the 24H Dubai endurance race in January 2025 and followed it up with a podium finish at Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps circuit. In a conversation with Mashable India, Ajith traced his motorsport journey back to the early '90s, when he started out racing motorcycles due to financial constraints. 'I started by racing bikes because it was more affordable. I'm very grateful that I had parents who weren't opposed to my participation. But my father, very honestly, told me, 'Look, Ajith, it's a very expensive sport. I may not be able to support you. But if you find your sponsors and can find a way around it, go ahead,'" Ajith revealed. Despite not coming from a wealthy background, Ajith's parents believed in hard work and responsibility. 'Since I dropped out of school, my parents were very clear about one thing. They said, 'You either pursue education and academics to at least get a basic degree, or you start working; no wasting time.' I chose the latter; to work," he added. Ajith made his debut in racing in 1990 at Irungattukottai, when the Grand Prix racing scene moved from Sholavaram. His first endurance race lasted two hours, and he finished in fifth place. But what truly changed his life was a moment of validation from a racing legend. 'In September 1990, we had an endurance race for two hours. I finished fifth. I remember Mr Subash Chandra Bose walking to my pits, and he said you should pursue motorsports. It's there in you," Ajith recalled. Motorbike personality Subash Chandra Bose, also known as 'Bullet Bose', is recognised for his dominance between 1968 and 1994 when he won the Indian Grand Prix title 15 times with his self-modified 350cc Royal Enfield, at the All-India Race Meet at Sholavaram race track. Meanwhile, Ajith has spent over three decades in cinema, delivering numerous Tamil blockbusters. Even with a demanding film career, he continues to carve time for his passion. While he had no releases in 2024, 2025 has already seen two films featuring him. Although Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, fell short of expectations, Ajith bounced back with Good Bad Ugly, directed by Adhik Ravichandran. Both films also starred Trisha Krishnan as the female lead. First Published:
