Atiqa Mir
Karting racing // Kashmir, India
Atiqa's Socials:
Atiqa Mir, a 9-year-old from Kashmir, is the first female to win a race in the Rotax Challenge International Trophy at Le Mans Kart International circuit in 2024.
Atiqa's Sponsors:
I feel really proud because females don’t always get the opportunity and support in motorsport
NEWS:
CHAT & RACER CALENDAR COMING
Atiqa Mir BIO
Atiqa Mir is a young motorsport sensation from Kashmir who made history as the first female to win the Karting Rotax Challenge International Trophy at the prestigious Le Mans Kart International circuit.
EARLY YEARS
Originally from Kashmir, Atiqa moved to Dubai with her family at a young age where her racing journey began. At just five years old, she started driving small electric karts at a mall in Dubai, quickly developing a passion for racing[1]. Her talent was nurtured by her father, Asif Mir, a former national karting champion who became India’s first National Karting Champion in 2000[3].
EARLY SUCCESS
By age six, Atiqa was competing in karting events under her father’s guidance. She rapidly progressed from indoor karting to professional competitions, showing exceptional skill that set her apart in the racing world. Her breakthrough came in the UAE National Championships where she became the youngest and only female UAE-licensed driver in the UAE IAME x30 and Rotax Championship in the Mini category[4].
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2022-23: Became the youngest and only female UAE-licensed driver in the UAE IAME x30 and Rotax Championship, securing 2 runner-up finishes in DAMC and Middle East Cup[4].
- 2023-24: Crowned vice-champion in the UAE IAME National Karting Championship’s Mini R class, achieving the highest placing finish for a female under-10 in any CIK FIA national championship[1].
- 2024: Secured 3rd place in the DAMC Karting Championship Round 4 at Dubai Kartdrome in the Micro Max category[4].
- 2024: Became the first female racer to win at the Le Mans Kart International circuit in the Micro Max Category of the Rotax Challenge International Trophy[2].
- 2024: Nominated for the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy, as the youngest and only Asian among 11 girls worldwide[2].
REPUTATION
Despite facing bullying on the track, Atiqa has established herself as one of the top female karting drivers globally in her age group. Her historic win at Le Mans has cemented her reputation as a groundbreaking talent who is challenging stereotypes in the male-dominated world of motorsports[3]. Racing for the Dan Holland Racing Team, she has become an inspiration for young female racers worldwide.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Atiqa aims to compete in Formula 1, with aspirations to become a Formula 1 champion representing India on the global stage[3]. Her immediate plans include participation in the prestigious Kartmasters in the UK, as she continues her journey toward higher levels of motorsport competition[4].
References:
New Indian Express: Fast, not furious: 10-year-old stuns the karting world
Gems of Kashmir: Atiqa Mir Shortlisted for Iron Dames New Young Talents Initiative
ELLE India: Atiqa Mir Is Emerging As India’s Newest Karting Dynamo
