Indian Driver Smashes Guinness World Record with Highest Altitude Car Drift

Sanam Sekhon has set a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude drift by a car, reaching 5,798 metres (19,023 ft) at Umling La Pass in Ladakh on 31st July. The record-breaking drift took place in extreme conditions, with the driver battling low oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable road surfaces at one of the world's highest motorable passes.

Sekhon, widely known as India's 'Drift King', completed the feat using JK Tyre's Levitas XTREME tyres, which are designed for ultra-high performance in demanding conditions.

The 2023 winner of the inaugural JK Tyre Drift Challenge described the challenges faced by his team during the record attempt. "The oxygen levels and altitude really tested us," Sekhon said. "Just running around and managing things up there was tough and we even had ambulances on standby."

The operation required a 20-21 member crew, including a tuner flown in from Thailand, and careful logistics to ensure a steady fuel supply at the remote location.

Sekhon emphasised the crucial role of the tyres in achieving the record. "The tyres gripped really well on that rough surface, which made all the difference," he explained. "In drifting, tyres are everything – you can have the best power and setup in the car, but it's the tyres that meet the road, and that's what really counts."

The JK Tyre Levitas XTREME is part of the company's premium Levitas range, engineered specifically for ultra-high performance. The tyre combines advanced compounds with precision tread design to deliver grip, control and resilience in harsh conditions.

Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, described the achievement as a milestone for Indian motorsport. "By supporting extraordinary drivers like Sanam Sekhon and pushing our technology to perform under the toughest conditions on the planet, we continue to demonstrate that Indian talent and engineering can stand tall on the global stage," he said.

The record marks a significant moment for Indian motorsport, highlighting both the skill of homegrown drivers and the capabilities of Indian tyre technology in extreme environments.