Valley’s Atiqa makes history, is first Indian female to race in World Series Karting
India’s 10-year-old karting prodigy, Atiqa Mir, is set to make history by becoming the first female from the country to race in the prestigious World Series Karting (WSK) Championships. She has been signed by the 29-time champions Babyrace for a full season, following her impressive performance in a test session at the La Conca circuit in southern Italy.
Atiqa, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, will also be the only female in the highly competitive Mini class, which boasts a grid of over 60 karts. She will compete in all three WSK Championships this year: the WSK Super Master Series, the WSK Euro Series, and the WSK Final Cup, marking her debut in the sport’s elite circuit. The first race, the WSK Super Master Series, will take place over the weekend.
“I am super thrilled to get this opportunity to race in WSK with Babyrace. This will be the highest level of karting I’ve ever driven in. I will have to learn a lot of new circuits, and racing in the winter will be a challenge, but I am up for it,” said Atiqa Mir
WSK is regarded as the pinnacle of karting, attracting top drivers, kart manufacturers, and engine manufacturers from around the world. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is among the many drivers who have raced in WSK during their early careers.
Like Verstappen, Atiqa Mir comes from a racing family. Her father, Asif Nazir, is India’s first National Karting Champion and Formula Asia Vice Champion. He will accompany Atiqa as she competes at World Series in Italy this weekend.
“Atiqa has made it to the highest level of karting through her hard work and dedication,”said Nazir.
“Racing against this level of competition will be tough for her. She will need to adapt to new tracks and conditions, making this year a challenging and educational experience,” added Atiqa’s father.