New Delhi, October 9, 2025: Indian motorsport sensation Sanam Sekhon has made history by achieving the Guinness World Record for the Highest Altitude Drift by a Car at a staggering 5,798 metres (19,023 ft) above sea level at Umling La Pass, Ladakh, on 31st July 2025. The record-breaking drift, performed under extreme weather and terrain conditions, marks a new high — both literally and figuratively — for Indian motorsport. Powering this unprecedented feat was JK Tyre’s Levitas XTREME, the brand’s ultra-high-performance tyre built for precision, control, and resilience in the most demanding environments.
Often hailed as India’s very own “Drift King”, Sanam Sekhon has been a trailblazer in the country’s growing drift culture. Winner of the inaugural JK Tyre Drift Challenge (2023), Sekhon’s journey is defined by passion, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of performance. His Umling La success is a testament to the synergy of human endurance, mechanical mastery, and technological innovation.
Reflecting on his record-setting performance, Sanam said,
“I’m absolutely thrilled to hold this record, but it was truly a team effort. The altitude and lack of oxygen tested us in every possible way. Even basic movement felt exhausting, and we had ambulances on standby throughout. Coordinating a 20-member crew, flying in our tuner from Thailand, and ensuring a steady fuel supply were major challenges. But the tyres made all the difference — their grip and stability on that unpredictable surface were phenomenal. In drifting, tyres are everything — they’re the bridge between power and precision.”
The record underscores the engineering excellence behind JK Tyre’s Levitas XTREME, part of the brand’s flagship Levitas range. While Levitas Ultra caters to luxury performance cars, Levitas XTREME is engineered for ultra-high performance under punishing conditions. With advanced compounds and a precision tread design, it delivers unmatched grip, control, and endurance — qualities that proved essential on Umling La’s rugged and icy roads.
Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said,
“This Guinness World Record is a proud milestone for Indian motorsport and a reflection of JK Tyre’s spirit of innovation. Supporting extraordinary talents like Sanam Sekhon allows us to test our technology under the toughest conditions imaginable. This achievement reinforces our belief that Indian engineering and driving talent can compete and excel on the world stage. At JK Tyre, we are committed to redefining limits — and this record is a shining example of that vision.”
The Umling La record not only celebrates a fusion of human courage and technological innovation but also strengthens India’s global reputation in performance engineering. By mastering one of the highest and harshest drivable altitudes on Earth, Sanam Sekhon and JK Tyre have redefined the boundaries of motorsport, proving that Indian grit and ingenuity can truly reach the top of the world.
