As the streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival on February 14 and 15, 2026, team owner John Abraham says racing on home streets turns motorsport into something deeply personal, rooted in pride, responsibility and community. As the owner of Goa Aces JA Racing, Abraham believes a street race in Goa carries a very different emotional weight compared to competing on permanent circuits.
“A street race in Goa changes the emotion and responsibility completely,” Abraham says. “This isn’t just about points or podiums. We’re racing in front of our people, in our city, and that adds a sense of responsibility you don’t feel anywhere else. It becomes deeply personal.”
According to Abraham, street racing demands a heightened sense of respect and discipline. Unlike permanent circuits, city tracks are tighter, less forgiving and leave little margin for error. Racing through familiar streets requires drivers to respect not just the barriers and corners, but the environment itself. He believes this dynamic forces humility and sharpens focus, making street racing one of the most challenging and rewarding formats in motorsport.
For Goa, Abraham sees the event as much more than a race weekend. He believes the Goa Street Race places the state firmly on India’s sporting map, adding a new dimension to its global identity. While Goa is already celebrated for its beaches, culture and lifestyle, hosting a world-class street race showcases the state’s ability to deliver large-scale international sporting events, boosting tourism and attracting global attention.
Preparation for the Goa Street Race, Abraham explains, has been about precision rather than experimentation. On a street circuit, there is no room to test ideas mid-race. Everything must be planned in advance, from car setup to driver confidence. Trust between the driver and the machine becomes crucial, as the circuit rewards discipline and smart decision-making over aggressive risk-taking.
The unforgiving nature of street racing also raises the stakes for the entire team. Abraham admits that even a small lapse can end a race instantly, making calmness under pressure a defining quality. He believes street circuits expose weaknesses quickly, but for a well-prepared team, they also bring out the very best in execution and teamwork.
Goa Aces JA Racing enter their home round with a strong, internationally experienced line-up. Leading the team is Raoul Hyman, the most successful driver in Indian Racing League history and a two-time defending champion. A fifth-generation Indian born in South Africa, Hyman brings consistency, composure and championship pedigree. Abraham believes Hyman’s ability to handle pressure makes him ideally suited for a demanding street circuit.
Indian racer Akash Gowda adds global race craft to the squad, having competed extensively across Japan and Southeast Asia. His international exposure strengthens the team’s competitiveness, particularly in races where split-second decisions often determine outcomes. Joining him is Chetan Surineni, a rising Indian talent and Rookie Racer Winner in the Italian Sport Prototype Championship, representing the fearless new generation eager to make its mark on a big stage.
Adding international star power is Fabienne Wohlwend, a Nürburgring 24 Hours podium finisher and former W Series racer. One of global motorsport’s most recognisable female competitors, her presence brings global credibility and inspiration, reflecting the level at which Indian racing now competes.
For Abraham, racing through Goa’s streets also brings fans closer to the sport. When racing enters the city, it becomes immersive; the sound, speed and energy create a shared experience that spectators can feel rather than simply watch. With the home team competing on its own streets, the Goa Street Race promises to be a defining weekend, not just for motorsport in India, but for Goa’s growing sporting identity.
