Naga Chaitanya To Fast Track IRF With Hyderabad Blackbirds

Renowned actor and self-proclaimed "petrolhead" Akkineni Naga Chaitanya is set to ignite the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) as he takes the helm of the Hyderabad Blackbirds for the 2024 season of the Indian Racing League (IRL). A passionate follower of Formula 1 and a dedicated collector of high-performance vehicles, Chaitanya brings a unique blend of motorsport fervor and star power to the league.

Beyond Star Power: Chaitanya's Impact

His deep passion for racing, coupled with his influence as a youth icon and his stature in the entertainment industry, is expected to significantly boost the festival's visibility and attract a broader audience. Chaitanya is more than just a celebrity owner; his enthusiasm and knowledge of racing are expected to contribute to the Hyderabad Blackbirds' performance on the track.

A League on the Rise

The Hyderabad Blackbirds, one of six city-based teams competing in the Indian Racing League, are poised to make a significant impact under Chaitanya's leadership. The league, the world's first gender-neutral, franchise-based racing competition featuring talented drivers from both India and abroad, will benefit from Chaitanya's expertise and passion. His involvement will further elevate the league's allure as it gears up for its most ambitious season yet. He joins a roster of celebrity team owners, including fellow actors Arjun Kapoor and John Abraham, as well as cricket legend Sourav Ganguly.

The Indian Racing Festival: More Than Just a Race

The Indian Racing Festival, organized by RPPL, features the FMSCI-approved Indian Racing League and the FEI-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC), designed to nurture young talent and provide them with a platform to excel. The festival will be broadcast live on Star Sports and FanCode, aiming to captivate India's growing motorsports fanbase.

Dates & Details:

The Indian Racing League 2024 kicks off 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 Blackbirds will compete against teams from Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, and Kolkata in the season opener.

While Chaitanya prepares to lead the Hyderabad Blackbirds on the track, fans can also look forward to his upcoming film titled "Thandel" directed by Chandoo Mondeti, featuring Sai Pallavi as the female lead.