9 YO Kashmiri Girl becomes 1st Female to Win Race at Rotax Challenge International Trophy

By: WE Staff | Monday, 22 July 2024

Atiqa Mir, a nine-year-old Indian racing champ, has become the first female to win a race at the Rotax Challenge International Trophy, marking a significant milestone in motorsport. Her victorious win at the prestigious Le Mans Kart International circuit serves as an inspiration for young girls and women aspiring to excel in competitive sports. She won Race 2 in the Heats of the Micro Max Category.

Atiqa was operating a Lando Norris kart for the Dan Holland Racing Team. She hails from Kashmir and qualified in 10th place at the Le Mans Circuit, but experienced a racing incident in the qualifying Heat 1 Race, dropping to 9th. In race 2, she displayed unmatched pace, clinching first place. With this victory, Atiqa joins a diverse group of drivers who had previously won races in the Max series before beginning their careers in Formula 1, notably George Russell, Lando Norris, and current F1 champion Max Verstappen. Atiqa's performance in the final race was impacted by several racing incidents, resulting in her finishing in 12th place.

Expressing her pleasure at the win, Atiqa said, “I’m so excited and happy to win the race. My first win in Europe, and we have all worked so hard for it. My team, DHR, has integrated me so well, my family has always been by my side, and all my supporters in India and other countries. Hopefully, I will keep this momentum and raise India’s flag even higher.”

Atiqa was named as the best female karting driver in the world after her win as she clinched the Le Mans race and was nominated for the Kartmasters in the UK and the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy.