SELANGOR, MALAYSIA — Indian motorsport sensation Arafath Sheikh has made a significant leap to the global stage, proudly representing India at the prestigious FIA Karting World Cup, held from November 14 to 16 at the LYL International Circuit in Selangor. Competing against a global field of talented drivers, Sheikh’s participation marks a momentous occasion for Indian motorsports.
The FIA Karting World Cup’s unique “Arrive and Drive” format provides all competitors with identical karts and engines, leveling the playing field and placing a strong emphasis on pure driver skill. This format played to Sheikh’s strengths, showcasing the exceptional racecraft he has honed throughout his career.
Sheikh earned his spot on Team India after a successful national championship season, which saw him seize numerous victories and demonstrate top-tier performance in the Meco FMSCI Rotax Max National Championship. In a testament to India’s growing talent pool, he joined a contingent of 54 racers from countries around the world.
A Career of National Dominance
Before competing on the world stage, the Pune-based prodigy dominated the Indian karting scene with a string of impressive performances. Representing Crest Motorsports, Sheikh showcased his skills across six rounds of the RMC India 2025 championship, competing in both the junior and senior categories. Despite it being his debut and making him the youngest driver on the senior grid, he secured pole position in the opening round.
Sheikh’s rookie senior season was not without its challenges. During the senior finals of the opening round, he received a penalty for a yellow flag infraction, dropping him from first to 19th. However, displaying remarkable composure and race-craft, he fought his way back to a commendable 6th place finish. Another standout performance occurred in Round 3 in Chennai, where he climbed from 34th on the grid to finish 2nd in a completely wet race.
The 2024 Rotax Max Champion also achieved significant success in the Junior Max category in 2025 season, clinching the Junior Max Rotax Championship title with Crest Motorsports. Though a last-minute rule change for safety reasons at round 2 in coimbatore, he received a DQ inspite finishing P1 with a lead of 10.4 seconds which was accepted by sheikh and received no points which meant he was classified as the 2nd runner-up in the overall standings, his skill and consistency were undeniable. Arafath, who began competing internationally at just seven years old, now boasts an impressive record of 39 national and 9 international podium finishes. Arafath has more than 160 race starts in his career till date making him the top experienced driver the country has.
The Road Ahead
Sheikh’s journey is guided by the experienced team at Crest Motorsports (PUNE) and the mentorship of Mr. Paul Carr, a UK-based legend who once trained Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. As an academy driver for the Mumbai Falcons racing team, he is focused on continued success and potential ventures into international formula racing.
Speaking on his FIA World Cup debut, Arafath expressed his gratitude. “I would like to thank Mr. Akbar Ebrahim (World CIK President) for his continuous guidance, and Mr. Shyam Kumar, the karting commission for FMSCI India, for having the trust in me to represent our nation,” said Sheikh. “And last but not least, my father, Mr. Sayeed Sheikh, for being part of my motorsports journey”.
The event’s presence in Malaysia has brought global attention to the growth of karting in Asia. For Sheikh, this represents a crucial step in his career, providing invaluable experience on the world stage and further solidifying his position as a rising star in professional motorsports.
For the latest updates on Arafath Sheikh’s racing journey, follow Arafath_41_ on Instagram and the official FMSCI channels
