Hyderabad team chases title at intense Goa street circuit
Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) prepares for a historic debut at the Manohar International Airport in Goa. Scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026, this event marks a critical juncture for the Hyderabad Black Birds. Team owner and popular actor Naga Chaitanya views this upcoming weekend as a "make or break" moment for his squad.
Currently, the championship battle is tighter than ever. After a grueling third round at the Kari Motor Speedway, the Hyderabad Black Birds have secured 81 points. They are breathing down the necks of the leaders, Speed Demons Delhi, trailing by a single point. With the title within reach, all eyes are now on the challenging street circuit in Goa.
Naga Chaitanya remains cautious about the unique challenges posed by street racing. Unlike traditional tracks, street circuits offer no safety nets. He emphasized that drivers cannot rely solely on raw speed; they need extreme mental composure. The Goa track features 12 difficult corners, and with such a narrow gap in the points table, every single turn becomes vital for the team's success.
To navigate these high-pressure conditions, the Black Birds have assembled a formidable lineup. Leading the charge is veteran British racer Jon Lancaster. Chaitanya describes Lancaster as the team's anchor, citing his vast international experience as crucial for managing the stress of street racing.
Joining him is Gabriela Jilkova, known for her expertise in GT racing and Formula E development. Her precision and discipline are expected to give the team a technical edge on the tight corners of Goa. Completing the trio is Mohamed Ryan, a homegrown talent and former vice-champion. Chaitanya highlighted Ryan as proof of India's racing potential, praising his hunger to win and familiarity with local conditions.
For Naga Chaitanya, leading the Hyderabad Black Birds is about more than just winning trophies. He sees it as an opportunity to fuel the growth of motorsports in India. His ultimate goal remains to provide a solid platform for young talent and inspire the next generation of racers across the country, including aspiring drivers from regions like Odisha.
