Karting Queen: Arshi Gupta Races Into Record Books as India’s First Female Champion

In a landmark moment for Indian motorsport, Arshi Gupta, a student of Delhi Public School, Faridabad, has made history by becoming the first-ever female racer to win the National Karting Championship title. Competing against boys in the Micro Max category (8–12 years) of the 2025 FMSCI National Karting Championship, Arshi claimed the national crown at the Meco Kartopia circuit in Bengaluru, marking a defining chapter in Indian motorsport history. Born on October 18, 2016, Arshi races under Leapfrog Racing and achieved this extraordinary milestone in just her second year of competitive racing. Her win isn’t just about a trophy it’s about breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated sport and showing what determination, passion, and the right guidance can achieve.A Season of GloryArshi’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular. She first made headlines when she stunned the motorsport fraternity by winning Round 3 at the Madras International Karting Arena (MIKA) on August 31, 2025, a track approved by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Later, in Coimbatore, she showcased her growing dominance by securing a double win, building momentum toward the championship finale. At the final round in Bengaluru, Arshi displayed incredible poise and precision. Starting from mid-grid in the Pre-Final, she carved her way to victory and then converted her pole start into a commanding win in the Final, clinching the national title. This triumph not only made her the first girl ever to win a National Karting Championship in India but also the youngest champion in the 21-year history of the Indian Rotax series.The Journey Begins: A Father’s ObservationEvery great story begins with a moment of realization, and for Arshi, it was her father’s keen eye. Her father, Anchit Gupta, a Faridabad-based businessman, noticed her natural love for speed while she was cycling around their neighborhood. Encouraged by her enthusiasm, he took her to a local karting track in Gurugram in 2023, managed by coach Rohit Khanna. “She loved karting from day one,” recalled Anchit.  Behind Arshi’s fearless drive stands a supportive family; her mother, Dr. Deepti Gupta, ensures that Arshi balances her racing passion with academics, making sure she never compromises on her studies.Early Steps into the Racing WorldArshi’s professional racing journey began with the Meritus Cup in 2024, where she quickly made a mark. Soon after, she moved into the Rotax Nationals, becoming the youngest female to compete at that level in India. Her rise was not by chance; it was built on rigorous training, discipline, and global exposure. In 2024, she spent five months (July to December) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for racing and training, gaining invaluable experience on international circuits. The next year, between April and October 2025, she completed a 10-week stint in the United Kingdom, further refining her racecraft and consistency. By the time she returned to India, Arshi had accumulated over 150 track days of training, a remarkable achievement for any racer, let alone a 9-year-old.What is Karting?Karting is a form of motor racing that involves driving small, open-wheel vehicles known as go-karts or karts on specially designed tracks. It’s often considered the entry point or foundation of professional motorsport, where many world-class Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen began their careers. Karting helps young racers learn essential racing skills such as steering control, braking, cornering, and race strategy in a safe and controlled environment. The sport is divided into categories based on age groups and engine capacities, such as Micro Max (8–12 years), Junior Max, and Senior Max. In India, karting is regulated by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and follows international standards set by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). With growing participation and better infrastructure, karting is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and accessible motorsports for young talent in the country.Recognition Beyond BordersArshi’s talent soon caught national attention. In September 2025, the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) selected her to represent Team India at the Asia Pacific Motorsports Championships in Sri Lanka. Competing in the Mini category (8–12 years) of the Karting Sprint event, she finished an impressive fourth, proving that her talent could shine on the international stage as well. Adding to her growing list of achievements, Arshi also features in the India Book of Records as the youngest female to receive a National Karting License, proof of her dedication and skill at such a young age.A Symbol of Change in Indian MotorsportArshi’s victory carries a much larger meaning for India’s sporting community. Motorsport has long been considered a male-dominated field, with very few women breaking into its top levels. Arshi’s success challenges this stereotype and opens doors for young girls across the country who dream of competing on the track. Her journey also highlights the growing support system for grassroots motorsport in India, from family encouragement to structured training academies and international exposure. With the right nurturing, more young talents like Arshi can emerge to represent India globally. For now, Arshi is enjoying her moment smiling, studying, and racing whenever she can. Her story is not just about victory on the track but also about belief, balance, and breaking barriers.