As the streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) on February 14th and 15th, team owner John Abraham says racing on home streets transforms motorsport into something far more personal; about pride, responsibility, and community, according to a release. Owner of Goa Aces JA Racing, Abraham believes a street race in Goa carries a different emotional weight compared to racing on permanent circuits. "A street race in Goa changes the emotion and responsibility completely," says Abraham. "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," he adds. According to Abraham, street racing demands a deeper respect for its surroundings: "Unlike permanent circuits, street racing is tighter and more unforgiving. You have to respect the roads, the barriers, and the environment you're racing in. It forces discipline and humility - and that's what makes it special." For Goa, he believes the race is about much more than motorsport. "Events like this put Goa firmly on India's sporting map," Abraham adds. "Goa is already known for its beaches and culture. Now, it's also being seen as a destination for world-class sport. That visibility boosts tourism, brings global attention, and creates a new identity for the state." Preparation for the Goa Street Race, Abraham says, has been about precision and trust rather than experimentation. "On a street circuit, there's no room to try things out mid-race. Preparation has to be done well in advance. Drivers need to build confidence lap by lap and trust the car completely. This circuit rewards discipline more than aggression." The pressure of street racing, where mistakes are punished instantly, only heightens the stakes for the entire team. "One small lapse can end your race," Abraham admits. "That reality sharpens focus. As an owner, you look for calm under pressure and smart decision-making. Street racing exposes weaknesses quickly; but it also brings out the best in a team that's prepared." Goa Aces JA Racing enter their home round with a strong and internationally experienced line-up. Leading the charge 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 and a championship pedigree.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a> "Raoul understands pressure better than most. His experience and calm approach are invaluable on a street circuit," says Abraham. Indian racer Akash Gowda, who has competed across Japan and Southeast Asia, brings global racecraft to the squad. "Akash's international exposure strengthens the competition back home. That experience matters when races are decided in split seconds," adds Abraham. Joining him is Chetan Surineni, a rising Indian talent and Rookie Racer Winner in the Italian Sport Prototype Championship. "Chetan represents the new generation; fearless, hungry, and eager to prove themselves on a big stage." Adding global star power is Fabienne Wohlwend, a Nurburgring 24 Hours podium finisher and former W Series racer, one of international motorsport's most recognisable female competitors. "Fabienne brings global credibility and inspiration. Her presence reflects the level at which Indian racing is now competing," says Abraham.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a> For Abraham, racing through Goa's streets also brings fans closer to the sport. "When racing comes into the city, fans don't just watch it; they feel it. The sound, the speed, the energy, it becomes a shared experience," he says. "For Goa, having the home team race on its own streets makes this weekend truly special," he adds. As the city prepares to welcome teams, fans, and visitors from across the country and beyond, Abraham believes the Goa Street Race marks a defining moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Preparation for the Goa Street Race, John Abraham says, has been about precision and trust rather than experimentation. 

As the streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) on February 14th and 15th, team owner John Abraham says racing on home streets transforms motorsport into something far more personal; about pride, responsibility, and community, according to a release. Owner of Goa Aces JA Racing, Abraham believes a street race in Goa carries a different emotional weight compared to racing on permanent circuits. "A street race in Goa changes the emotion and responsibility completely," says Abraham. "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," he adds. According to Abraham, street racing demands a deeper respect for its surroundings: "Unlike permanent circuits, street racing is tighter and more unforgiving. You have to respect the roads, the barriers, and the environment you're racing in. It forces discipline and humility - and that's what makes it special." For Goa, he believes the race is about much more than motorsport. "Events like this put Goa firmly on India's sporting map," Abraham adds. "Goa is already known for its beaches and culture. Now, it's also being seen as a destination for world-class sport. That visibility boosts tourism, brings global attention, and creates a new identity for the state." Preparation for the Goa Street Race, Abraham says, has been about precision and trust rather than experimentation. "On a street circuit, there's no room to try things out mid-race. Preparation has to be done well in advance. Drivers need to build confidence lap by lap and trust the car completely. This circuit rewards discipline more than aggression." The pressure of street racing, where mistakes are punished instantly, only heightens the stakes for the entire team. "One small lapse can end your race," Abraham admits. "That reality sharpens focus. As an owner, you look for calm under pressure and smart decision-making. Street racing exposes weaknesses quickly; but it also brings out the best in a team that's prepared." Goa Aces JA Racing enter their home round with a strong and internationally experienced line-up. Leading the charge 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 and a championship pedigree. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli "Raoul understands pressure better than most. His experience and calm approach are invaluable on a street circuit," says Abraham. Indian racer Akash Gowda, who has competed across Japan and Southeast Asia, brings global racecraft to the squad. "Akash's international exposure strengthens the competition back home. That experience matters when races are decided in split seconds," adds Abraham. Joining him is Chetan Surineni, a rising Indian talent and Rookie Racer Winner in the Italian Sport Prototype Championship. "Chetan represents the new generation; fearless, hungry, and eager to prove themselves on a big stage." Adding global star power is Fabienne Wohlwend, a Nurburgring 24 Hours podium finisher and former W Series racer, one of international motorsport's most recognisable female competitors. "Fabienne brings global credibility and inspiration. Her presence reflects the level at which Indian racing is now competing," says Abraham. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds For Abraham, racing through Goa's streets also brings fans closer to the sport. "When racing comes into the city, fans don't just watch it; they feel it. The sound, the speed, the energy, it becomes a shared experience," he says. "For Goa, having the home team race on its own streets makes this weekend truly special," he adds. As the city prepares to welcome teams, fans, and visitors from across the country and beyond, Abraham believes the Goa Street Race marks a defining moment. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Preparation for the Goa Street Race, John Abraham says, has been about precision and trust rather than experimentation.&nbsp;

'Racing at home makes it personal': Goa Aces JA Racing owner John Abraham

As the streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) on February 14 and 15 2026, in front of Manohar International Airport, Sourav Ganguly, former India cricketer and the owner of Kolkata Royal Tigers, believes street racing brings out the true character of a team - far beyond what lap times or machinery alone can reveal.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naga-chaitanya-on-hyderabad-black-birds-high-stakes-pursuit-of-title-at-goa-street-race-1770044870029">"Goa will be make or break": Chaitanya on Hyderabad Black Birds' title pursuit</a> For Ganguly, the challenge of street circuits feels deeply familiar, according to a release. "Street racing tests the team, not just the car," says Ganguly. "In cricket, pressure moments tell you everything about a player. It's the same here. When there's no margin for error, character comes to the fore," Ganguly said. Drawing a compelling parallel between cricket and motorsport, Ganguly likens IRF's impact to the IPL's transformation of Indian cricket. "For me, the Indian Racing Festival is the IPL of racing," he explains. "It brings together top international talent, Indian drivers, team owners, and fans in a format that's intense, competitive, and very accessible. Just like the IPL changed how people connected with cricket, IRF is doing that for motorsport," the former Indian cricket team captain said further. According to Ganguly, the shift from permanent circuits to city streets fundamentally changes the mindset. "On a permanent circuit, you have room to recover. On the streets, every decision is magnified. One small misjudgement can undo a weekend's work," he says. "As an owner, you feel every lap because the race is constantly testing judgment, discipline, and control," he said. Preparation for the Goa Street Race, he adds, has focused less on outright speed and more on managing uncertainty. "This is a brand-new circuit. There's no history to fall back on. So, the focus is on alignment; between the driver, the car, and the team. It's about staying calm and reacting smartly when conditions change." said Ganguly. Currently placed fourth in the overall standings, Kolkata Royal Tigers head into the Goa round with a balanced line-up that blends international pedigree with Indian experience. Tom Canning, a British GT Champion and Aston Martin Academy winner, brings European race craft to the team. "Tom's discipline and race intelligence come from competing at the highest level. That experience matters on street circuits where instincts are constantly tested." Indian racer Sohil Shah, two-time IRL champion and a race winner earlier this season, will look to build on his momentum. "Sohil understands how races evolve. Street racing rewards drivers who can adapt quickly, and that awareness will be crucial in Goa." said Ganguly. Completing the line-up is veteran Indian racer Sandeep Kumar, a multiple-time national champion. "Sandeep has raced across different eras of Indian motorsport. When races are decided by judgment rather than outright pace, that experience becomes invaluable," he said. As the Goa Street race approaches, Ganguly believes the weekend will be about more than points, "just like in cricket, big occasions don't forgive lapses. Street circuit demands clarity, discipline, and trust across the team. That's the challenge we're prepared for.

Drawing a compelling parallel between cricket and motorsport, Ganguly likens IRF's impact to the IPL's transformation of Indian cricket.

As the streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) on February 14 and 15 2026, in front of Manohar International Airport, Sourav Ganguly, former India cricketer and the owner of Kolkata Royal Tigers, believes street racing brings out the true character of a team - far beyond what lap times or machinery alone can reveal. Also Read: "Goa will be make or break": Chaitanya on Hyderabad Black Birds' title pursuit For Ganguly, the challenge of street circuits feels deeply familiar, according to a release. "Street racing tests the team, not just the car," says Ganguly. "In cricket, pressure moments tell you everything about a player. It's the same here. When there's no margin for error, character comes to the fore," Ganguly said. Drawing a compelling parallel between cricket and motorsport, Ganguly likens IRF's impact to the IPL's transformation of Indian cricket. "For me, the Indian Racing Festival is the IPL of racing," he explains. "It brings together top international talent, Indian drivers, team owners, and fans in a format that's intense, competitive, and very accessible. Just like the IPL changed how people connected with cricket, IRF is doing that for motorsport," the former Indian cricket team captain said further. According to Ganguly, the shift from permanent circuits to city streets fundamentally changes the mindset. "On a permanent circuit, you have room to recover. On the streets, every decision is magnified. One small misjudgement can undo a weekend's work," he says. "As an owner, you feel every lap because the race is constantly testing judgment, discipline, and control," he said. Preparation for the Goa Street Race, he adds, has focused less on outright speed and more on managing uncertainty. "This is a brand-new circuit. There's no history to fall back on. So, the focus is on alignment; between the driver, the car, and the team. It's about staying calm and reacting smartly when conditions change." said Ganguly. Currently placed fourth in the overall standings, Kolkata Royal Tigers head into the Goa round with a balanced line-up that blends international pedigree with Indian experience. Tom Canning, a British GT Champion and Aston Martin Academy winner, brings European race craft to the team. "Tom's discipline and race intelligence come from competing at the highest level. That experience matters on street circuits where instincts are constantly tested." Indian racer Sohil Shah, two-time IRL champion and a race winner earlier this season, will look to build on his momentum. "Sohil understands how races evolve. Street racing rewards drivers who can adapt quickly, and that awareness will be crucial in Goa." said Ganguly. Completing the line-up is veteran Indian racer Sandeep Kumar, a multiple-time national champion. "Sandeep has raced across different eras of Indian motorsport. When races are decided by judgment rather than outright pace, that experience becomes invaluable," he said. As the Goa Street race approaches, Ganguly believes the weekend will be about more than points, "just like in cricket, big occasions don't forgive lapses. Street circuit demands clarity, discipline, and trust across the team. That's the challenge we're prepared for.

Drawing a compelling parallel between cricket and motorsport, Ganguly likens IRF's impact to the IPL's transformation of Indian cricket.

'IRF is the IPL of racing': Ex-India captain Sourav Ganguly on Indian Racing Festival

&nbsp;Europe is a test case for a very special reason. The European continent has always considered itself the Avant Garde of secularism. In 2013, the European Union published guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-islamist-terror-tops-european-unions-agenda-342279/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 2016, Jan Figel was appointed special envoy for this, for the promotion of freedom of religion outside the EU. In 2018 and 2019, Europe sanctioned countries for they way they treated Muslims, mostly for a good reason but also because Europe felt the moral authority and responsibility to tell the world how to treat minorities as recently as 2020, the European parliament wanted to discuss India's citizenship amendment act and the removal of special status of Kashmir. It had no business doing so but the EU, the self-appointed gatekeeper of secularism wanted to lecture India on the treatment of minorities.

In November 2020, Europe itself is rushing to legislate on religion and come December, France will table a bill that will help the state regulate Islam. It will help the state monitor the funding of French mosques.

It will create a certificate program for French imams and it will ban homeschooling for young children to prevent the creation of Islamic schools or Madrassas.

If a non-European, non-Western country had planned such a bill, Europe would have cried Islamophobia. It would have sat down to draw a list of sanctions against the country, slapped its leaders with a travel ban probably frozen their assets but now terror has struck home.

France is legislating to create its own brand of Islam and in doing so, France doesn't care if it's being called Islamophobe. Europe is finally learning to crack down on terror and unfortunately, it is learning the hard way.

Just like the United States did post the attacks of 9/11 before the two planes crashed into the twin towers, America took pride preaching secularism. In 1998, the Clinton administration created the office of international religious freedom (IRF) within the US state department.

Three years later, Washington found itself looking at every Muslim with suspicion, at least 1,200 people were detained by the end of November 2001. In her book "detained without a cause" Irum Sheikh writes that the US immigration officials began categorising Muslims "special interest" cases.

Europe's lectures on CAA and Kashmir were an overreach, India's tour of European MP's to seek validation on Kashmir even worse, if Europe must compare its own brand of secularism to India's - it should see which has worked. Going forward, Europe cannot confuse appeasement with secularism. It is time to work on the faultlines. Counter-terror with all sincerity without making any exceptions.

Europe is a test case for a very special reason. The European continent has always considered itself the Avant Garde of secularism. In 2013, the European Union published guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief.

Europe is a test case for a very special reason. The European continent has always considered itself the Avant Garde of secularism. In 2013, the European Union published guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief. In 2016, Jan Figel was appointed special envoy for this, for the promotion of freedom of religion outside the EU. In 2018 and 2019, Europe sanctioned countries for they way they treated Muslims, mostly for a good reason but also because Europe felt the moral authority and responsibility to tell the world how to treat minorities as recently as 2020, the European parliament wanted to discuss India's citizenship amendment act and the removal of special status of Kashmir. It had no business doing so but the EU, the self-appointed gatekeeper of secularism wanted to lecture India on the treatment of minorities. In November 2020, Europe itself is rushing to legislate on religion and come December, France will table a bill that will help the state regulate Islam. It will help the state monitor the funding of French mosques. It will create a certificate program for French imams and it will ban homeschooling for young children to prevent the creation of Islamic schools or Madrassas. If a non-European, non-Western country had planned such a bill, Europe would have cried Islamophobia. It would have sat down to draw a list of sanctions against the country, slapped its leaders with a travel ban probably frozen their assets but now terror has struck home. France is legislating to create its own brand of Islam and in doing so, France doesn't care if it's being called Islamophobe. Europe is finally learning to crack down on terror and unfortunately, it is learning the hard way. Just like the United States did post the attacks of 9/11 before the two planes crashed into the twin towers, America took pride preaching secularism. In 1998, the Clinton administration created the office of international religious freedom (IRF) within the US state department. Three years later, Washington found itself looking at every Muslim with suspicion, at least 1,200 people were detained by the end of November 2001. In her book "detained without a cause" Irum Sheikh writes that the US immigration officials began categorising Muslims "special interest" cases. Europe's lectures on CAA and Kashmir were an overreach, India's tour of European MP's to seek validation on Kashmir even worse, if Europe must compare its own brand of secularism to India's - it should see which has worked. Going forward, Europe cannot confuse appeasement with secularism. It is time to work on the faultlines. Counter-terror with all sincerity without making any exceptions.

Europe cannot confuse appeasement with secularism

A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court will on Wednesday continue to hear the Enforcement Directorate`s arguments over issuance of non-bailable warrant against founder of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) Zakir Naik.

Tightening the noose on Naik, the Enforcement Directorate ( ED) on Monday yesterday approached the court over the same.

The move comes in the wake of Naik failing to appear before the agency despite being issued four summons.

The Enforcement Directorate had last month provisionally attached properties of Naik-led IRF worth Rs. 18.37 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the form of mutual fund, real estate properties and bank balances.

Earlier in November last year, the Enforcement Directorate had registered money laundering case against the IRF on the basis of FIR registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

It was alleged that Naik and his associates are indulging in unlawful activities. It was also alleged that Naik promotes enmity and hatred between different religious groups in India through his provocative utterances.

During the PMLA investigation, Naik avoided all four summons issued to him.

The IRF, headed by Naik, moved a petition last year seeking directions against the ban imposed on it by the Central Government.

(ANI)

It was alleged that Naik and his associates indulge in unlawful activities and promote enmity & hatred between different religions in India

A special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court will on Wednesday continue to hear the Enforcement Directorate`s arguments over issuance of non-bailable warrant against founder of Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) Zakir Naik. Tightening the noose on Naik, the Enforcement Directorate ( ED) on Monday yesterday approached the court over the same. The move comes in the wake of Naik failing to appear before the agency despite being issued four summons. The Enforcement Directorate had last month provisionally attached properties of Naik-led IRF worth Rs. 18.37 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the form of mutual fund, real estate properties and bank balances. Earlier in November last year, the Enforcement Directorate had registered money laundering case against the IRF on the basis of FIR registered by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It was alleged that Naik and his associates are indulging in unlawful activities. It was also alleged that Naik promotes enmity and hatred between different religious groups in India through his provocative utterances. During the PMLA investigation, Naik avoided all four summons issued to him. The IRF, headed by Naik, moved a petition last year seeking directions against the ban imposed on it by the Central Government. (ANI)

Court to hear Enforcement Directorate's arguments on Zakir Naik

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'Racing at home makes it personal': Goa Aces JA Racing owner John Abraham

'IRF is the IPL of racing': Ex-India captain Ganguly on Indian Racing Festival

Europe cannot confuse appeasement with secularism

Court to hear Enforcement Directorate's arguments on Zakir Naik