Story perspectives

Vijay Launches Le Mans Cup at Silverstone, UK

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Vijay Launches Le Mans

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay waved the green flag to launch the Le Mans Cup at Silverstone, UK.
Actor-racer Ajith Kumar competed in the LMP3 Pro/Am class for Ajith RedAnt by Virage at the event.
During the trip, Vijay assessed UK sports infrastructure for a planned ‘Motor Sports City’ in Tamil Nadu.
The Silverstone race was scheduled from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM IST on Saturday.

Summary

Vijay Faces Investment Critique

Opposition parties DMK and AIADMK accused Vijay of attending a friend's race instead of securing investments.
DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said Vijay’s UK trip lacked visible investment outcomes and resembled a personal visit.
The state announced MoUs worth over INR1 lakh crore were signed at the Vetri Tamil Nadu Investors’ Conference 2026.
CPI(M) secretary P Shanmugam demanded a white paper detailing investments received since the TVK government assumed office.

Summary

Ajith Announces Dare Devil

Ajith Kumar presented Vijay with a signed racing helmet after the Silverstone Le Mans Cup.
Vijay gifted Ajith a miniature race car inscribed with “Priyamudan”.
Director Venkat Prabhu posted on X that the reunion filled his heart.
Ajith announced his upcoming film Dare Devil, produced by his wife Shalini.
Ajith said he hopes Chennai will host a Silverstone-style racing circuit soon.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Indian Grand Prix at the Jaypee-financed Buddh International Circuit drew about 60,000 fans and saw Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok become the first two Indians to race together in Formula One. Earlier failed bids in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore paved the way for that event, and Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Silverstone visit seeks to revive a similar high-profile motorsport push.

1 of 4

Vijay Launches Le Mans

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay waved the green flag to launch the Le Mans Cup at Silverstone, UK.
Actor-racer Ajith Kumar competed in the LMP3 Pro/Am class for Ajith RedAnt by Virage at the event.
During the trip, Vijay assessed UK sports infrastructure for a planned ‘Motor Sports City’ in Tamil Nadu.
The Silverstone race was scheduled from 9:30 PM to 11:30 PM IST on Saturday.

1 / 4