Bollywood Star to Rev Up Indian Motorsports Scene
New Delhi, August 20, 2024: Renowned actor and passionate motorsport enthusiast Akkineni Naga Chaitanya is set to make waves in the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) as the new owner of the Hyderabad Blackbirds, one of the six competing teams in the Indian Racing League (IRL). This high-octane event, which also includes the FIA Formula 4 Indian Championships, is slated to kick off on August 24, 2024.
Naga Chaitanya, a long-time Formula 1 fan and collector of supercars and motorcycles, brings a unique blend of star power and racing fervor to the table. His entry into the league as a team owner promises to elevate the festival’s appeal, drawing in new fans and shining a spotlight on Indian motorsports.
“From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the adrenaline rush of motorsports, whether it’s the fast-paced drama of Formula 1 or the sheer thrill of driving high-performance machines. The Indian Racing Festival offers the perfect platform for me to channel this passion,” said Naga Chaitanya. “Leading the Hyderabad Blackbirds this season is something I’m eagerly looking forward to. I hope to inspire both fans and emerging talent, and contribute to taking Indian motorsports to unprecedented heights.”
The Hyderabad Blackbirds will compete in a pioneering, gender-neutral franchise-based format that attracts top driving talent from India and around the world. Naga Chaitanya’s involvement adds to the star-studded lineup of celebrity team owners, including actors Arjun Kapoor, John Abraham, and cricket legend Sourav Ganguly, making this season the most anticipated yet.
Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the force behind IRF, expressed excitement about the upcoming season. “Naga Chaitanya’s leadership of the Hyderabad Blackbirds promises to make this our most dynamic season ever. The involvement of such high-profile celebrities is key to expanding our fanbase and delivering a more vibrant, engaging experience for everyone. The addition of a groundbreaking night race on the streets of Chennai will undoubtedly add a thrilling new dimension to the event.”
The Indian Racing Festival, organized by RPPL, combines the cutting-edge Indian Racing League with the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), a platform designed to nurture and showcase young racing talent. The event will be broadcast live on Star Sports and FanCode, tapping into India’s growing motorsports fanbase.
The 2024 season of the Indian Racing League begins on August 24 at the Madras International Circuit, followed by India’s first-ever night street race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit. Hyderabad will go head-to-head with teams from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata in what promises to be a thrilling battle for the championship.
