Pernem: Goa’s date with high-octane racing wasn’t smooth on Valentine’s Day.The start of Race 1 of the Indian Racing Festival at Manohar International Airport Street Circuit was delayed by more than 90 minutes, a Formula 4 car crashed into the barricades during practice, and fans did well to brave the blazing sun to watch cars zoom past in high speed for the first time.Once the opening race of the Indian Racing Festival kicked off on Saturday, there was edge-of-the-seat racing with Raoul Hyman, representing home team Goa Aces JA Racing, and Alister Yoong (Speed Demons Delhi) finishing on top.The final race is scheduled for Sunday evening.“It’s the home race for the team, and finally we could bring the win home for Goa Aces and (owner) John Abraham,” said Hyman. “Aqil (Alibhai) pushed me the entire race; we were separated by tenths all weekend.”Hyman produced a composed drive to win Race 1 in 24:03.490, giving the home team a memorable triumph on debut at the Goa street circuit. Starting behind pole-sitter Aqil (Chennai Turbo Riders), he seized the lead early and resisted sustained pressure throughout the race.Alibhai finished second in 24:06.800, just 3.310 seconds adrift, while Ishaan Madesh (Speed Demons Delhi) completed the podium in 21:44.818.In Race 2, Alister Yoong of Speed Demons Delhi capitalised on early chaos to take the lead and secure victory in 27:50.811.Starting further back, Sohil Shah of Kolkata Royal Tigers delivered one of the drives of the weekend, slicing through the field to finish second in 27:51.119, just 0.308 seconds behind Yoong. Ruhan Alva (Kichcha’s Kings Bangalore) completed the podium in 28:23.984.With a Race 1 podium through Madesh and a Race 2 win through Yoong, Delhi emerged as the biggest winners of the weekend and now lead the championship standings.
