In a thrilling finale at the Indian Racing League on the Kari Motor Speedway, John Abraham’s Goa Aces secured the 2024 Indian Racing League (IRL) championship, capping off the season with a dominant 1-2 finish, courtesy of Raoul Hyman and Gabriela Jilkova. The team’s victory was sealed with precision and flair, as Hyman claimed the top spot, followed closely by Jilkova, in what was a perfect end to an action-packed weekend. TheGlitz reports.
The Indian Racing League race, which took place on Sunday after a sharp downpour, was a nerve-wracking battle for the title. Going into the final race, Goa Aces led the standings by a mere two points over Shrachi Rarh Royal Bengal Tigers, but disaster struck for the Tigers almost immediately. As the rolling start began, Ruhaan Alva, who had been in the hunt for the title, lost control of his car and slid into Akash Gowda’s Speed Demons Delhi car just before the start/finish line, bringing both of their races to a crashing halt. The collision prompted a brief safety car intervention, but once racing resumed, it was all Goa Aces.
Indian Racing League unplugged!
Hyman, who started from pole, was in no mood for drama. He powered through the remainder of the race, ultimately crossing the line 28 seconds ahead of Jilkova, securing a perfect 1-2 finish for the team. Their teammate, Sohil Shah, had already clinched a win the previous day, cementing a triumphant weekend for the Goa Aces. Mohamed Ryan of Chennai Turbo Riders completed the podium in third.
“We are beyond thrilled with the 1-2 finish today,” Hyman said post-race. “It’s been an incredible season, and I’m so grateful to the team for providing us with the cars to win. This victory is a testament to their hard work.”
Meanwhile, Shrachi Rarh Royal Bengal Tigers’ hopes faded as Malaysian driver Alister Yoong finished a distant seventh, while Alva’s crash effectively handed the championship to the Goa Aces, making their victory all the sweeter.
The two-day Indian Racing Festival, which concluded the season, was sponsored by Kingfisher Soda, JK Tyres, Mobil 1, and Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited, and was broadcasted on Star Sports and Fancode.
Hyderabad Blackbirds’ Aqil Alibhai Clinches Indian Racing League F4 Championship with Dominant Show Despite Late Charge from Ruhaan Alva
In the FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship, the season’s final showdown at Kari Motor Speedway saw Ruhaan Alva of Shrachi Rarh Royal Bengal Tigers bring the heat with a stunning double victory. However, despite Alva’s late charge, it was Aqil Alibhai of the Hyderabad Blackbirds who emerged as the champion, securing the title with a measured performance across the weekend.
Alibhai, who had been in control of the championship for most of the season with six wins, delivered two strong podium finishes (second and third) on the final day, enough to seal his crown. Alva, eager to finish his season on a high, claimed both race wins, showing incredible speed and aggression. In the first race, starting from P5, Alva made quick work of the field, crossing the line over nine seconds ahead of Alibhai. He carried that momentum into the second race, winning again with commanding precision.
Despite Alva’s dominance, Alibhai played it smart. In the first race, he settled for second place, knowing that a solid finish would keep his championship hopes alive. His strategic patience paid off, as Alva’s two wins weren’t quite enough to eclipse Alibhai’s points lead.
“I wanted to end the season with a win, but I’m happy with how things have gone this year,” Alibhai said after securing the title. “It’s been a great season, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Alibhai’s consistency throughout the season saw him finish 29 points ahead of Alva, making his title win a well-deserved achievement. For Alva, the late surge was a thrilling display of talent, but it wasn’t quite enough to overtake the championship leader.
The F4 Indian Championship has proven to be an important stepping stone for Indian racers, giving them exposure to fierce competition at an international level. It’s clear that this series is helping nurture the next generation of motorsport talent, with Alva, Alibhai, and other drivers poised to make their mark on the global stage.
Race Results (Provisional)
Indian Racing League – Race 2, Driver-B
- Raoul Hyman (UK, Goa Aces JA Racing) – 26:39.020
- Gabriela Jilkova (Czech Republic, Goa Aces JA Racing) – 27:07.684
- Mohamed Ryan (India, Chennai Turbo Riders) – 27:29.813
Best Lap: Raoul Hyman (01:10.359)
Formula 4 Indian Championship – Race 2
- Ruhaan Alva (India, Shrachi Rarh Royal Bengal Tigers) – 26:55.114
- Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Hyderabad Blackbirds) – 27:14.880
- Divy Nandan (India, Bangalore Speedsters) – 27:24.987
Best Lap: Ruhaan Alva (01:06.492)
Formula 4 Indian Championship – Race 3
- Ruhaan Alva (India, Shrachi Rarh Royal Bengal Tigers) – 27:00.884
- Hady Noah Mimassi (Canada, Chennai Turbo Riders) – 27:10.373
- Aqil Alibhai (South Africa, Hyderabad Blackbirds) – 27:16.425
Best Lap: Ruhaan Alva (01:06.386)
As the curtain fell on the 2024 Indian Racing League and F4 Championship, John Abraham’s Goa Aces and Aqil Alibhai emerged as the dominant forces, leaving fans eagerly anticipating next season’s showdown. With fast cars, fierce competition, and rising stars, the future of Indian motorsport has never looked brighter.
