Panaji, February 10, 2026
Indian motorsport is set to enter a new era as the Indian Racing Festival prepares to host its first-ever street racing event in Goa this February. The race weekend will mark the beginning of Formula-style street racing in the coastal state, adding a major new chapter to India’s racing calendar.
The event will take place on February 14 and 15 and will serve as Round 4 of the Indian Racing League (IRL) Championship.
🏁 When and Where Will Goa’s First Street Race Be Held?
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Dates: February 14–15, 2026
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Venue: A specially constructed temporary circuit inside the Manohar International Airport premises
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Race Category: Formula-style street race
The airport-based circuit has been designed exclusively for the event, transforming Goa into a first-time host of high-speed street racing.
🛣️ Track Highlights and Circuit Details
The Goa street circuit is a FIA-grade temporary track, built to international safety and competition standards.
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Track length: 2.064 km
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Corners: 12
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Key challenges: Heavy braking zones and limited run-off areas
These elements are expected to test driver precision, race strategy, and consistency—especially with championship points tightly contested.
🚗 Cars Used: One-Make Racing Format
All teams will compete using the Ligier JS F422, ensuring a level playing field.
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Engine: 1.3-liter turbocharged Alpine unit
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Format: One-make championship
With identical machinery, race outcomes will depend heavily on driver skill, teamwork, and race strategy, rather than outright car performance.
👥 Team Structure and Racing Format
The IRL continues with its unique four-driver team format, designed to promote diversity and talent development:
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One international driver
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One emerging foreign talent
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One Indian driver
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One female racer
This structure has become a defining feature of the league.
⭐ Key Drivers to Watch in Goa
Several standout racers are set to feature in the Goa street race:
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Divya Nandan (Hyderabad Black Birds) – Experience in British F4 and GB3
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Akhil Rabindra (Chennai Turbo Riders) – Reigning Formula 4 India champion
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Ruhan Alva (Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru) – Youngest race winner in IRL history
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Tom Canning (Kolkata Royal Tigers) – British GT champion
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Gemma Moore – Endurance racing specialist
🎭 Celebrity Team Owners Add Star Power
The championship also features teams owned by prominent sports and film personalities, including:
John Abraham,
Arjun Kapoor,
Sourav Ganguly,
Naga Chaitanya,
Kichcha Sudeepa, and
Dr Sweta Sundar Iyer.
Their involvement has helped expand the league’s reach beyond traditional motorsport audiences.
📺 Where to Watch the Goa Street Race
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TV Broadcast: Star Sports Select 2
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Live Streaming: JioHotstar
The broadcast partnership is expected to give the event nationwide visibility.
🏆 A Major Step in IRL’s Expansion
The Goa street race represents a significant expansion milestone for the Indian Racing League. With a new city, a challenging street circuit, identical race cars, and a diverse driver lineup, the event could play a decisive role in the championship title fight.
Organizers believe this race will strengthen India’s presence on the global motorsport map and open the door for more street racing events in the future.
