Meet Ashvin Senthil Kumaran | President and Driver of Vector One Racing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashvin Senthil Kumaran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashvin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Vector One Racing with the vision of giving students an opportunity that I felt was missing: a chance to gain real-world experience in a professional motorsports environment while still in school. Many students learn concepts in classrooms but don’t get the chance to apply them in high-pressure, real-life situations that prepare them for their future careers. Through this team, I wanted to create a platform where students could be immersed in everything that makes motorsports so unique: engineering challenges, the dynamics of professional racing, and the critical business side of sponsorships and partnerships. It’s about more than just racing a car; it’s about learning how to work as a team, manage budgets, pitch to companies, and problem-solve when the unexpected happens. My goal is for every member of Vector One Racing to walk away with experience that not only sets them apart in their careers but also inspires them with the confidence that comes from building something tangible, ambitious, and competitive from the ground up.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Vector One Racing is a student-led Formula 1600 team based in College Station, Texas, built on the vision of giving students real-world experience in motorsports, engineering, and business. What sets us apart is that we’re not just about racing; we’re about building future motorsports professionals. We give our members the opportunity to work hands-on in areas like car development, team operations, sponsorship, and media. These experiences are hard to find at the undergraduate level in a professional league.

What I’m most proud of is how quickly the team has come together. Starting a racing organization from the ground up hasn’t been easy; there have been plenty of challenges with funding, logistics, and building credibility. But what’s made the difference is persistence and teamwork. Every setback became a lesson in problem-solving, and every win, no matter how small, reminded us why we’re pushing forward.

Along the way, I’ve learned that success in motorsports and in business isn’t just about speed or technical knowledge. It’s about relationships, communication, and resilience. The partnerships we’ve built with sponsors, the trust among teammates, and the shared belief in a bigger vision are what keep us moving forward.

What I want the world to know about Vector One Racing is that we are more than a race team. We’re a platform for students to learn, grow, and prepare for professional opportunities in a way that’s exciting, challenging, and meaningful. Our story is just getting started, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to College Station for a week, I would show them all the best parts of Aggieland. We’d start with a walk around Texas A&M’s campus, visiting the Century Tree, Academic Plaza, and Kyle Field to see the school spirit and traditions. For food, we’d eat at local favorites like Dixie Chicken, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Hullabaloo Diner for breakfast, and Fargo’s BBQ. At night, we’d hang out at Northgate to enjoy live music and the fun atmosphere. During the week, I’d take them to the George Bush Presidential Library, spend an afternoon at Lake Bryan for hiking or watching the sunset. We would also go to a Texas A&M game so they could feel the excitement of the game days. To finish the trip, we’d visit the Bonfire Memorial at night, a quiet and special place that shows the spirit and unity of this town.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents (Senthil Kumaran and Meera Mohanakrishnan), who have been the biggest source of encouragement and support as I pursued the idea of creating Vector One Racing. From day one, they’ve been behind me, reminding me to stay focused and determined even when the challenges seemed overwhelming. I also have to recognize the incredible team members who make this organization possible. Their hard work, commitment, and shared vision are what truly keep Vector One running. It’s one thing to have a dream, but it takes a group of dedicated people to turn that dream into a reality, and I’m grateful every day for their effort and passion.

Website: https://vectoroneracing.com

Instagram: @ashvin.sk22

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashvinsenthilkumaran