Bollywood actor John Abraham, a prominent figure in Indian cinema, is expanding his sports portfolio by acquiring ownership of the Goa Aces racing team. This team, under the banner of JA Racing, is set to compete in the highly anticipated Indian Racing Festival (IRF) 2024. The motorsport extravaganza, organized by Racing Promotions (RPPL), is geared to captivate India’s growing motorsport fanbase from August 24 to November 17. Abraham joins a league of notable team owners including former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and fellow actor Arjun Kapoor, adding star power to the racing event.
The Indian Racing Festival, now in its third season, will feature intense competition among eight city-based teams representing Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. These teams will battle it out for the coveted championship title. Adding to the thrill, the festival will introduce a first-of-its-kind night race on a street circuit in Chennai, marking a significant milestone for Indian motorsports.
John Abraham, already known for his passion for sports as the owner of the NorthEast United FC football team in the Indian Super League, expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture. “I’ve always been captivated by fast cars and bikes, and I’ve longed to be part of this thrilling sport as it makes new strides in our country. I am thankful to the IRF team, and as owner of Goa Aces, I’m excited about the opportunity to help build a robust motorsports ecosystem in Goa and, with the Indian Racing Festival, uncover new talent that can shine on the global stage in the near future,” stated John Abraham.
Echoing this sentiment, Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman and Managing Director of RPPL, highlighted the strategic importance of Abraham’s involvement. “Having John Abraham as the owner of Goa Aces is poised to unlock immense potential for developing Goa into a premier motorsports venue… This strategic move promises to also elevate Goa’s status in the motorsports world and expand its appeal beyond traditional racing circles,” Reddy commented.
The Indian Racing League stands out as India’s only 4-wheel racing league and is recognized globally as the first gender-neutral racing championship series. It adopts the Formula 4 format, a crucial stepping stone for young drivers transitioning from karting to single-seater racing. This format is designed to nurture junior talent and provide a platform for aspiring racers to climb the motorsport ladder.
