Sanam Sekhon has etched his name into the annals of motorsport history by setting a Guinness World Record for the Highest Altitude Drift by a Car at a staggering 5,798 metres (19,023 ft) at Umling La Pass in Ladakh on 31st July 2025. The feat was as much a test of human endurance as it was of automotive engineering, as Sekhon skillfully executed the record-breaking drift amid thin oxygen, biting winds, sub-zero temperatures, and unpredictable mountainous terrain. Powering this extraordinary achievement were JK Tyre’s Levitas XTREME tyres, engineered for ultra-high performance, precision, and durability in extreme conditions.
Hailed as India’s ‘Drift King,’ Sanam Sekhon has consistently pushed the boundaries of motorsport in the country. Winner of the inaugural JK Tyre Drift Challenge in 2023, he has built a career on relentless dedication, passion, and perseverance. The Umling La record is a testament to the synergy of skill, endurance, and cutting-edge engineering that drifting demands.
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Sanam Sekhon said, “I’m thrilled to hold this record, but it was truly a team effort. The altitude and low oxygen were major challenges, and managing logistics at 5,798 metres with a 20-21 member crew, my tuner flying in from Thailand, and steady fuel supply was no small feat. The tyres were critical — in drifting, you can have the best car, but it’s the tyres that connect you to the road. JK Tyre’s Levitas XTREME delivered incredible grip on that rough terrain, making this record possible.”
The Levitas XTREME, part of JK Tyre’s premium Levitas range, is designed for extreme performance, combining advanced compounds and precision tread patterns for unmatched control and resilience. Its performance at Umling La highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence under the harshest conditions.
Celebrating this historic achievement, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & MD of JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said, “This Guinness World Record is a proud milestone for Indian motorsport and a testament to JK Tyre’s spirit of innovation. Supporting exceptional drivers like Sanam Sekhon and pushing our technology to perform in extreme conditions demonstrates that Indian talent and engineering can excel globally.”
By uniting extraordinary human grit with engineering brilliance, Sanam Sekhon and JK Tyre have not only conquered Umling La but also redefined the limits of what is possible in motorsport, elevating Indian motorsport to unprecedented heights.
