Acclaimed movie star and avid petrolhead Akkineni Naga Chaitanya will add to the burgeoning appeal of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) by leading Hyderabad Blackbirds into the latest season of the Indian Racing League (IRL) in 2024 as the team owner.

Naga Chaitanya, a devoted follower of Formula 1 and an enthusiastic collector of supercars and motorcycles, brings a unique blend of motorsport passion and influential presence. His deep admiration for racing, combined with his prominence in the entertainment industry and his role as a youth icon, will significantly enhance the festival's profile and attract new audiences to the thrilling spectacle.

"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 are one of six city teams competing in the Indian Racing League, the world’s first gender-neutral franchise-based competition that pits talented drivers from India and abroad against each other.

Naga Chaitanya’s presence will heighten the league’s attraction ahead of its biggest and boldest season yet, with the actor joining fellow thespians Arjun Kapoor and John Abraham, as well as Indian cricketing great Sourav Ganguly in the pits as a celebrity team owner.

“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.

Promoted by RPPL, the Indian Racing Festival comprises the FMSCI-approved, one-of-its-kind racing league, the Indian Racing League, and the FEI-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), which has been designed to nurture young talent and provide them with the platform to showcase their talent. The festival will be broadcast live on Star Sports and FanCode, aiming to captivate India's growing motorsports fanbase.

Indian Racing League 2024 begins on August 24 at the Madras International Circuit, followed by India's first-ever night street circuit race at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit a week later. Hyderabad will compete against Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata for the championship in the Season Opener.



About Indian Racing Festival


The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is a meticulously curated 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 two 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.

1. The Indian Racing League (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.
2. 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.



About Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd.

Racing Promotions Private Ltd., co-founded by Akhilesh Reddy, Abhinandan B, and professional race drivers Armaan Ebrahim and Aditya Patel in 2019, aims to bridge the gap between racing talent and opportunities. The franchise model, a first in Indian motorsports, emphasizes creating lasting engagement opportunities for teams, drivers, fans, and sponsors, while promoting inclusivity and competitive spirit.

Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) is dedicated to forging a holistic motorsport ecosystem in India, with the mission to host FIA-caliber events and create pathways for aspiring individuals to pursue careers as drivers, engineers, and mechanics.
For any queries email us at - info@rpplind.com