New Delhi: Movie star Akkineni Naga Chaitanya will boost the Indian Racing Festival with his team, Hyderabad Blackbirds, in the 2024 Indian Racing League season as the owner.
Naga Chaitanya’s passion for Formula 1, supercars, and motorcycles, along with his entertainment industry influence, will elevate the festival’s appeal and draw a broader audience through his unique blend of motorsport enthusiasm and celebrity status.
“I’ve been a motorsports enthusiast from a very early age , with a deep love for everything from the high-speed drama of Formula 1 to the thrill of driving supercars and bikes. The Indian Racing Festival is more than just a competition—it’s the perfect stage for me to channel my passion. Leading the Hyderabad Blackbirds amid a stacked line-up this season is an experience I am looking forward to with much anticipation. I’m eager to extend this unforgettable experience to the fans, take Indian motorsports to new heights, and inspire the next generation of racing talent,” said Naga Chaitanya.
Hyderabad Blackbirds is one of six city teams in the Indian Racing League, the world’s first gender-neutral franchise competition featuring skilled drivers from India and abroad.
Naga Chaitanya will join Arjun Kapoor, John Abraham, and Sourav Ganguly in the celebrity team owners’ league, adding to the excitement of the upcoming season.
“As the IRF continues its impressive growth, Naga Chaitanya’s leadership of the Hyderabad Blackbirds promises to make this season our most dynamic one yet. Moreover, the involvement of top celebrities from across the country will significantly strengthen our fanbase and broaden our reach, ensuring a more vibrant and engaging experience for all enhanced by the addition of a groundbreaking night race on the streets of Chennai, adding an exhilarating new dimension to the event,” said Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL), the promoters of IRF.
RPPL’s Indian Racing Festival includes the Indian Racing League and Formula 4 Indian Championship, aiming to nurture young talent. It will be broadcast on Star Sports and FanCode to engage India’s motorsports fans.
The Indian Racing League 2024 kicks off on August 24 at the Madras International Circuit, featuring India’s debut night street circuit race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit a week later. Teams from Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata will vie for the championship in the Season Opener.
