- Historic Victory: Atiqa Mir became the first female racer to win the Rotax Challenge International Trophy race at the Le Mans Kart International circuit, driving for the Dan Holland Racing Team in a Lando Norris kart.
- Adapting Quickly: Despite it being her first time at the Le Mans circuit and having no prior practice, Atiqa adapted swiftly, leading in practice sessions and ultimately winning Race 2 in the MicroMax Category, showcasing her exceptional speed and skill.
- Upcoming Competitions: Although Atiqa faced challenges in the final race, Atiqa’s win solidified her as a top female karting driver in her age group worldwide. She is set to compete in the Kartmasters event in the UK next month and is the only Asian and youngest nominee for the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy.
At the Le Mans Kart International circuit, nine-year-old Atiqa Mir from Kashmir made history by becoming the first female racer to win the Rotax Challenge International Trophy race. Competing in Race 2 of the MicroMax Category Heats, she represented the Dan Holland Racing Team in a Lando Norris kart, as reported by ANI.
Despite it being her first time at the Le Mans circuit and lacking any prior practice there, Atiqa quickly adapted to the new karts and consistently led during practice sessions. According to the report, she finished 10th in Qualifying due to a lap clearance issue. In the first Qualifying Heat race, she advanced to 6th place but eventually finished 9th.
In Race 2, Atiqa demonstrated remarkable speed and skill, delivering fast and consistent lap times and making impressive overtakes to clinch first place at the renowned Le Mans Circuit. She competed against 36 drivers in the MicroMax category, while a total of 318 drivers from 40 different countries took part across all categories.
In the final race, Atiqa faced several challenges, ultimately finishing in 12th place, 9.497 seconds behind the leader, Joshua Cooke of KR Sport. Alfie Mair came in second, while Austin Oman of Sam Pollitt Racing secured third.
Despite this setback, Atiqa’s victory at Le Mans solidifies her position as the leading female karting driver in her age group worldwide. Next month, she will compete in the prestigious Kartmasters event in the UK.
Additionally, Atiqa has been nominated for the Iron Dames Young Talent event in Italy later this month. Remarkably, she is the only Asian and the youngest among the 11 shortlisted candidates.