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The Indian Racing Festival, an exhilarating celebration of motorsport, is set to kick off on August 24, 2024. This year’s festival will showcase two premier competitions: the Indian Racing League (IRL) and the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championships. Adding a new dimension to the event, actor Naga Chaitanya will lead the Hyderabad Blackbirds as the team owner in the IRL, bringing his dynamic blend of celebrity allure and motorsport enthusiasm to the track.
Naga Chaitanya, a well-known motorsport aficionado and avid collector of supercars and motorcycles, will infuse the Indian Racing Festival with his passion and charisma. His deep-rooted love for racing, combined with his prominent status as a youth icon, is expected to elevate the festival’s appeal and draw a broader audience to witness the high-octane action.
“I’ve been a motorsport enthusiast for as long as I can remember,” said Naga Chaitanya. “From the thrilling highs of Formula 1 to the sheer joy of driving supercars and motorcycles, racing is more than just a sport to me—it’s a passion. Leading the Hyderabad Blackbirds in this year’s Indian Racing League is an incredible opportunity, and I am thrilled to share this experience with fans. My goal is to contribute to the growth of Indian motorsports, inspire emerging talent, and make this season unforgettable.”
Hyderabad Blackbirds in Indian Racing Festival as team owner
The Hyderabad Blackbirds, one of six city-based teams competing in the IRL, are poised to make a significant impact this season. The IRL is recognized as the world’s first gender-neutral franchise-based racing league, featuring a diverse roster of talented drivers from both India and abroad.
Naga Chaitanya will be joined by other notable figures such as actors Arjun Kapoor and John Abraham, and Indian cricket legend Sourav Ganguly, each bringing their own flair to the role of celebrity team owners. Their participation is expected to further enhance the festival’s profile and expand its fanbase.
“The 2024 Indian Racing Festival is shaping up to be our most exciting season yet,” said Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the festival’s promoters. “Naga Chaitanya’s involvement with the Hyderabad Blackbirds will undoubtedly add a new level of energy and engagement. With the addition of a groundbreaking night race on the streets of Chennai, we are introducing an exhilarating new element to the event that will captivate audiences and elevate the racing experience.”
The festival, organized by Naga Chaitanya of RPPL, features the FMSCI-approved Indian Racing League and the FEI-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), designed to nurture emerging talent and provide a platform for young racers to shine. The event will be broadcast live on Star Sports and Fan Code, reaching motorsports enthusiasts across the country.
The season will commence at the Madras International Circuit on August 24, followed by India’s first-ever night street race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit a week later. Teams from Hyderabad will compete against counterparts from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata for the coveted championship title in this thrilling season opener.
Indian Racing League 2024: Six teams to compete over five rounds of IRL; Kolkata makes debut
The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is gearing up to make history once again with the launch of the Indian Racing League (IRL), the world’s inaugural gender-neutral, franchise-based racing series. This pioneering league will showcase an impressive lineup of drivers, featuring six city-based teams, each comprising two Indian and two international racers, with a notable inclusion of one female driver per team. The competition, spanning five thrilling rounds, kicks off at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) on August 24-25.
The IRL’s unique structure highlights its commitment to inclusivity and diversity, setting a new benchmark in the world of motorsport. Among the participants are Indian racing talents Akhil Rabindra and Nikhil Bohra, who will compete alongside the Swiss sensation Neel Jani. The roster also includes a selection of elite drivers from around the globe, contributing to a truly international and competitive field.
Noteworthy is the return of accomplished female drivers such as Fabienne Wolhwend and Gabriel Jilkova, who will be striving to emulate the success of Sarah Moore. Moore made history in 2023 by becoming the first female driver to secure a victory in IRL, a milestone that has set a high bar for this year’s contenders.
Following the inaugural race at MIC, the IRL will venture into a landmark event: India’s first-ever night race, set to illuminate the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit from August 31 to September 1. This groundbreaking night race promises to add an electrifying dimension to the festival, offering fans an extraordinary spectacle of high-octane racing under the lights.
With its innovative approach and diverse lineup, the IRL is poised to captivate motorsport enthusiasts and redefine racing in India and beyond.
About Naga Chaitanya
Naga Chaitanya, living from Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent figure in the Telugu film industry and the son of the grateful actor Nagarjuna Akkineni. His journey into acting began with his debut film Josh in 2009, which set the stage for a successful career. Over the years, Naga Chaitanya has gather significant acclaim for his roles in notable Telugu films such as Premam, Majili, Love Story, and Bangarraju. Each of these performances has contributed to his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
In addition to his success in regional cinema, Naga Chaitanya ventured into Bollywood with his role in Laal Singh Chadha in 2022, marking his foray into the Hindi film industry. Despite of his achievements, not all of his projects have met with commercial success; his film Thank You was a notable disappointment at the box office. Nonetheless, his appeal remains strong, and he has been recognized for his charm and presence, earning a spot on the Hyderabad Times Most Desirable Men list.
Through a blend of critically acclaimed performances and high-profile projects, Naga Chaitanya continues to solidify his standing as one of the leading actors in the Telugu film industry while exposure his horizons in Indian cinema.