look news india
New Delhi, July 8 (HS). Nine-year-old racing sensation Atika Mir, the fastest Indian racer in four-wheel motorsports, has been shortlisted for the first selection process of Switzerland-based prestigious all-women motorsports team Iron Dames New Young Talent initiative. The initiative aims to identify and develop young female kart racers between the ages of eight and 13 who dream of a career in motorsport.
The date for the first selection round is set for July 29-30, 2024 in Franciacorta, Italy. Atika is the only Asian karter and also the youngest to be shortlisted among 11 girls from across the world.
The Iron Dames have achieved historic victories and successes at the pinnacle of world endurance racing, including becoming the first all-female team to win a race at the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2023. The Young Talent initiative will represent the next generation of female racing stars. Speaking about her selection, Atika said, “I am really honoured to be shortlisted for the Iron Dames Young Talent selection process. It will motivate me to perform and improve my skills as a driver. I will work hard and prepare myself better than ever to top the selection and make India proud.”
Atika was selected from a long list of applicants from around the world, who were shortlisted based on a variety of criteria. Each entry was carefully reviewed by the Iron Dames Detection Cell, which evaluated candidates based on their passion, determination, motorsport background and the strength of their career aspirations. The selected participants represent a wide variety of nationalities, reflecting the global reach and inclusive spirit of the Iron Dames project.
All shortlisted candidates will be assessed through rigorous scouting programmes, including parameters such as their driving skills, commitment, work ethic and ability to reflect the values and vision of the Iron Dames.
The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) congratulated Atika on this achievement.
VS Srikanth, Deputy Secretary General, FMSCI said, “Atika is a regular participant in our MECO FMSCI National Karting Championship – Rotax Max. We congratulate her on this achievement and wish her all the best for the selection round.”
The assessment will be conducted in collaboration with experts from the Italy-based Prema Racing motorsport team. Exceptional talents discovered through this process will have the opportunity to join the Iron Dames family, benefit from personal development programmes, mentoring from experienced motorsport professionals and access to top-class training facilities. The Iron Dames team includes some promising female drivers such as Doriane Pin and Marta Garcia. Marta was the inaugural F1 Academy Champion (female).
With several wins and titles to his name in various parts of the world, Atiqa is the reigning IAME UAE National Vice-Champion. Atiqa recently participated in the SECO RMC Indian National Karting Championship and finished runner-up in Round 1. Atiqa will be in India again this weekend driving for MSport in Round 2 at the SECO Kartopia track in Bengaluru.
