On Friday night, Ajit Kumar, dressed up in red racing overalls, announced to the media his intention of chasing his "dream" to become a professional racing driver, thus fulfilling his "passion" for motor sport.

Ajit, while scotching speculation that his latest move was related to recent "flops" and an effort to switch careers, said: "Motorsport has always been my passion. Those close to me know that I used to take part in motorbike racing in Chennai, and as a kid, was a visitor to the Sholavaram races. It has been my dream to become a professional racing driver, and I am going to give it my very best. Nothing is impossible."

He categorically stated that he had no intention of switching professions. "I have been in film industry for a decade now. Seen many ups and downs. As far as balancing motor racing and films is concerned, I have decided to do only two films a year from 2003 which will leave me sufficient time to pursue motor racing. I cannot say at this stage what level I would reach in motor sport, but like I said earlier, I will give it everything I have," he said.

Ajit's plans for 2003 is to participate in the Formula Asia series. "I can only tell you where I will be going from there only at the end of next year. I do not want to make any big statements at this juncture. We will be assessing my performance in 2003 before taking any decisions. I am taking one step at a time," he said when asked about his goals in motor racing.

To this end, he has hired Akbar Ebrahim, India's first Formula racing driver, and a former Tamil Nadu cricketer, who now runs the Advanced Driving and Corporate Academy. "Akku will be in charge of my racing career, and I think I have got the right man. He is putting me through a training programme next month soon after I return from abroad after a shooting stint," said Ajit.

The racing bug bit Ajit about a fortnight ago when he participated in the first round of the JK Tyre National Road Racing Championship, in a single-seater Formula Maruti (800cc engine) car. Though he finished at the bottom of the field, the outing rekindled his old passion.

On return from his shooting assignment on October 4, Ajit will participate in the next round of the championship 48 hours later. Akbar said Ajit will then be put through a rigorous five-day training programme to hone his driving skills. He will then fly out to Zuhai, China, for a three-day test in a Formula Asia car.

Ajit's training programme will then take him to Macau, for the prestigious demanding Macau Grand Prix (Nov 15-17) where he will be driving in the Formula Asia category that forms the prop for the main event, the Formula 3 race.

"The participation in Macau and the test session at Zuhai, are designed basically to prepare Ajit for the 2003 Formula Asia season. Since there are no races or testing after Macau and up to March next year, we are utilising every opportunity to give Ajit the exposure to driving a higher powered vehicle," explained Akbar when a journalist wondered whether Ajit was being rushed into something he might not be ready for.

Ajit flopped in the first round of the JK Tyre championship earlier this month. But it did not deter him. "I began my acting career with a flop, but it did not stop me from pursuing acting. Likewise, my first race this month was a disaster, but that will not stop me from chasing my goals which at the moment, I would not like to discuss. I would rather let my action speak," he said.