Hyderabad Black Birds team owner and actor Naga Chaitanya is gearing up for what could be the most defining weekend of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) season. The IRF prepares to make its historic debut at the Manohar International Airport in Goa on February 14 and 15.
Following a hard-fought Round 3 at the Kari Motor Speedway, the Hyderabad Black Birds are currently placed at the second position with 81 points in the team standings. They are just one point behind Speed Demons Delhi.
Hence, Chaitanya has set his eyes on the street circuit in Goa. “Street circuits don’t forgive,” Chaitanya says. “On a regular track, you get those run-off zones if something goes wrong. But on this circuit, you can’t just rely on speed. You need to maintain composure and stay sharp through 12 tricky corners of this track. With a narrow one-point gap to the top, every corner and every lap will count.”
Reflecting on the impact of street racing in India, Chaitanya believes the format is essential for the sport’s growth. “Leading the Hyderabad Black Birds amid such a stacked line-up is an experience I have looked forward to with much anticipation. My goal has always been to share my love for motorsports, provide a platform for young talents to rise, and inspire the next generation of Indian racers,” he stated.
Jon’s experience is our anchor: Chaitanya
At the forefront of his team is veteran British racer Jon Lancaster, who brings deep international experience to the lineup. “Jon’s experience is our anchor,” says Chaitanya. “He has competed at the highest levels globally, and that exposure is vital when you’re managing the immense pressure of a street circuit where every second counts.” Chaitanya, who is the son of actor Nagarjuna and the grandson of the legendry ANR, said.
Additionally, Gabriela Jílková, a specialist in GT and development racing for Formula E, will provide a unique analytical edge, “Gabriela’s precision is remarkable; she brings a level of discipline and consistency to the cockpit that is exactly what we need to navigate the tight corners of the Goa Street Circuit.” says Chaitanya.
Rounding off the line-up is Mohamed Ryan, a homegrown talent and former vice-champion who represents the core mission of the Black Birds. “Ryan is proof of the talent we have right here in India, his hunger to succeed and his familiarity with these conditions make him a key asset for the team as we push for the top spot.” Chaitanya added.
About the IRF
The IRF is a premier motorsport event designed to captivate the growing motorsport fan base in India. The Indian Racing League (IRL) and the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) are the three championships under the Indian Racing Festival banner. Notably, the Indian Racing League is FMSCI (Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India) approved, adding a level of prestige and official recognition to the competition. The IRL is India’s only 4-wheel racing league and the world’s first gender-neutral racing championship series, promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit.
IRL features six city-based teams competing in a dynamic franchise-based competition. Formula 4 is an open-wheel, single-seater racing category intended for junior drivers. It is the first step of the ladder for an aspiring racing driver from karting to single-seater racing. The FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship has begun to attract young and aspiring drivers from around the world and the country.
It creates an opportunity for young drivers in their single-seater journey with minimal investment from their end. The drivers gain Super License points and the Indian talent gets to do this at home instead of going abroad.
