World’s top ranking female go-kart racer steps into the folds of JK Tyre

JK Tyre signs Atiqa Mir, an 11-year-old Indian karting talent to continually honour its commitment towards identifying and nurturing the country’s next generation of motorsport racers. JK Tyre has been involved in Indian motorsport for more than three decades, using its racing and karting programmes as a platform for developing young drivers. Its notable young-age talent from the past include Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Armaan Ebrahim and Kush Maini, who went on to compete on the international stage of motorsports.

At just 11 years old, Mir has already made a name for herself on the international karting scene, competing in championships across Europe and the Middle East. According to the FIA International Karting Ranking (IKR) OKNJ, she is currently the world’s No. 1 female karter. The 2026 season has been particularly notable for Mir. She became the first Indian to score a podium in the European leg of the Champions of the Future Academy before securing a dominant victory in Greece. During the event, she swept qualifying, the heats and the final, becoming only the third driver in the series’ history to achieve the feat.

“At JK Tyre, nurturing young talent has always been at the heart of our motorsport journey. Atiqa represents the next generation of Indian racing, and we are delighted to support her as she pursues excellence on the global stage. Her association also reflects our continued commitment to encouraging greater participation of women in motorsport and inspiring young girls to take up the sport,” said Anshuman Singhania, Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, which has had a long association with motorsports in the country and nurtured many talents over the years.

More recently, Mir became the youngest Indian driver to record two top-10 finishes in the FIA European Karting Championship, widely regarded as the ‘Formula 1 of karting’. Mir’s international achievements have also underscored the increasing participation and interest of women in motorsport. She was the first Indian and Asian female racer selected for the Formula 1 Academy’s ‘Discover Your Drive’ programme, which aims to identify and encourage young female racing talent.

“It is a very special feeling to join JK Tyre. My dad was also supported by JK Tyre during his racing days,” said Mir. “I’m excited for this journey and look forward to learning, improving and representing India and JK Tyre on the international stage.” With Mir now joining its roster, JK Tyre is looking to continue that talent-development legacy while supporting one of India’s youngest emerging racers on her international karting journey.