Divy Nandan Races for Hyderabad Blackbirds at Indian Racing Festival

Driver Divy Nandan is racing for the Hyderabad Blackbirds team at the Indian Racing Festival. Actor Naga Chaitanya owns the team. This event is helping motorsports grow in India.
By Newsroom | Motorsport, India |

Stakes in Motorsport Unfold at Prestigious Event

The Indian Racing Festival has become a focal point for motorsports enthusiasts and industry figures. With the Hyderabad Blackbirds team, owned by Naga Chaitanya, participating, the event garners significant attention. Driver Divy Nandan is among those competing under this banner, contributing to the team's presence in races such as the Formula Street Race Weekend in Goa. The festival itself, featuring events like the Indian Racing League and FIA Formula 4 Indian Championships, represents a significant platform for showcasing talent and developing the sport in India. The inclusion of celebrity owners and the structure of the league, designed to be gender-neutral, underscore the evolving landscape of professional racing.

Context of the Indian Racing Festival and Hyderabad Blackbirds

The Indian Racing Festival has established itself as a key event in the motorsports calendar, featuring the Indian Racing League (IRL) and FIA Formula 4 Indian Championships. Naga Chaitanya is the owner of the Hyderabad Blackbirds, one of six city-based teams competing in the IRL. This league is noted as the world's first gender-neutral, franchise-based competition, bringing together drivers from India and abroad.

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The festival has seen several iterations and developments:

At the Indian Racing Festival, Divy Nandan drove for Hyderabad Blackbirds owned by Naga Chaitanya - 1

  • The Goa edition of The Indian Racing Festival, held at the Manohar International Airport, transformed the region into a motorsport hub for the Formula Street Race Weekend on February 14 and 15.

  • The Indian Racing League's driver draft for the upcoming season, which selects four drivers per team including international and domestic talent, took place in Mumbai.

  • Naga Chaitanya expressed his enthusiasm for motorsports, viewing the festival as a stage to channel his passion and contribute to taking Indian motorsports to new heights. He also noted his own interest as a Formula 1 fan and collector of supercars.

  • Divy Nandan, a driver for the Hyderabad Blackbirds, has a background that includes competing in the British F4 Championship and scoring points at UK circuits. He participated in the Goa edition of the festival, expressing a desire to enjoy the experience.

  • News reports indicate the Hyderabad Blackbirds are performing well, potentially leading the championship at certain points.

Evidence of Participation and Ownership

Several sources confirm Divy Nandan's role with the Hyderabad Blackbirds and Naga Chaitanya's ownership:

  • Divy Nandan drove for the Hyderabad Blackbirds at the Indian Racing Festival's Goa edition, held at the Manohar International Airport. He is noted to have a background in racing, including the British F4 Championship.

  • Source: The Hindu

  • Naga Chaitanya is the owner of the Hyderabad Blackbirds team, which competes in the Indian Racing League as part of the Indian Racing Festival. He expressed his passion for motorsports and his vision for the league.

  • Sources: Hindustan Times, idlebrain.com, The Business Line, Telangana Today

  • The Hyderabad Blackbirds are one of six city teams in the Indian Racing League. The league's structure includes a draft process for selecting drivers.

  • Sources: Hindustan Times, The Business Line, Telangana Today

Naga Chaitanya's Role as Team Owner

Naga Chaitanya's involvement with the Hyderabad Blackbirds extends beyond mere ownership; he is positioned as a leader and a driving force behind the team and the league's development. His passion for motorsports is a frequently cited motivator.

  • Passion for Motorsports: Chaitanya has consistently spoken about his lifelong interest in motorsports, seeing the Indian Racing League as a significant platform to express this. He has stated that owning the team allows him to turn this passion into reality.

  • Vision for Indian Motorsport: He aims to leverage his influence to elevate Indian motorsports, inspire young talent, and provide an unforgettable experience for fans. His involvement is seen as adding significant appeal to the sport.

  • Promotional Efforts: Chaitanya has also used platforms like Bigg Boss Telugu to bring attention to the Hyderabad Blackbirds and the Indian Racing League, demonstrating a commitment to raising the sport's profile.

Divy Nandan's Racing Career

Divy Nandan's participation with the Hyderabad Blackbirds is supported by his established racing background.

At the Indian Racing Festival, Divy Nandan drove for Hyderabad Blackbirds owned by Naga Chaitanya - 2

  • International Experience: He has competed in and scored points in the British F4 Championship, including at Thruxton, a circuit known for its high speeds.

  • National Success: Nandan has also achieved national titles, indicating a strong foundation in Indian racing before competing internationally.

  • Festival Participation: He was present and actively competing at the Goa edition of the Indian Racing Festival, expressing a focus on enjoying the event regardless of the outcome.

Structure and Diversity of the Indian Racing League

The Indian Racing League, under the umbrella of the Indian Racing Festival, is characterized by its unique operational structure.

  • Gender-Neutral Competition: It is recognized as the world's first gender-neutral franchise-based racing competition, aiming for inclusivity.

  • Team Composition: Each of the six city teams selects four drivers. This lineup is designed to be balanced, typically including an experienced international driver, an emerging talent (either international or Indian-origin), a domestic Indian driver, and a female driver.

  • Global Talent: The draft process aims to bring together drivers from various backgrounds and nationalities, fostering a competitive and diverse field. Examples include Gabriela Jilkova from the Czech Republic being selected for a team.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Statements from key figures highlight the significance of the Indian Racing Festival and the Hyderabad Blackbirds.

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  • Naga Chaitanya (Team Owner, Hyderabad Blackbirds): "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.” He also stated, "Becoming the owner of the Hyderabad Blackbirds allowed me to turn that passion into something real.”

  • Akhilesh Reddy (Chairman and Managing Director, Racing Promotions Pvt.): "Naga Chaitanya has been a driving force behind the Indian Racing League — not just as a team owner, but as someone who genuinely believes in the future of Indian motorsport." He also commented, "This brings our collective vision to life when it comes to the Indian Racing Festival 2025.”

Findings and Implications

The available information confirms the participation of driver Divy Nandan for the Hyderabad Blackbirds team at the Indian Racing Festival. This team is owned by actor Naga Chaitanya, who is a prominent figure in the Indian Racing League. The festival and its associated league are presented as significant developments for Indian motorsports, emphasizing inclusivity through a gender-neutral format and the strategic selection of diverse driver lineups. Chaitanya's stated commitment to developing the sport and Nandan's professional racing background form the core of the Hyderabad Blackbirds' competitive presence.

The continued involvement of high-profile individuals like Naga Chaitanya and the establishment of structured racing leagues like the IRL suggest a growing ecosystem for professional motorsport in India. The success and reach of such initiatives will likely depend on sustained investment, fan engagement, and the development of domestic talent.

Read More: Raoul Hyman and Alister Yoong Win First Races at Goa Indian Racing Festival

Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Divy Nandan?
Divy Nandan is a driver who has raced in the British F4 Championship. He is now competing for the Hyderabad Blackbirds team.
Q: Who owns the Hyderabad Blackbirds?
The Hyderabad Blackbirds team is owned by actor Naga Chaitanya. He is passionate about motorsports in India.
Q: What is the Indian Racing Festival?
The Indian Racing Festival is an event that includes races like the Indian Racing League and FIA Formula 4 Indian Championships. It is a big event for racing in India.
Q: What is special about the Indian Racing League?
The Indian Racing League is the first racing league in the world that is for both men and women. It has teams from different cities.