Kumar started his career as a privateer in 1993 and was quickly picked up by Team MRF, operated by another Rally driver N. Leelakrishnan.
Naren Kumar is also the first Indian from India to compete in the WRC championship (in Group N Category) driving a factory-supported works Subaru Impreza World Rally Car for Team Sidvin India (supported by Four time WRC Rally Champion Tommi Makinen.
He however finished fourth in the championships and with a podium (Second overall) and by the end of the season he was invited for a test drive by Subaru World Rally Team.
In early February 2008, Team Sidvin was launched technical and vehicle support from four-time world rally champion Tommi Makinen's Racity Oy Limited.
After a 2-year hiatus Naren returned to a full season of INRC in the newly formed team Red Rooster racing.