MTEIN, LEBANON – The 2023 motorsport season opened with a huge entry of 103 cars for the first Speed Test of the year, organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL) at the RPM circuit in Mtein – a clear sign that 2023 will be a promising season, given the number of competitors who love a challenge. The event produced exciting competition across all classes.
Alex Feghali won the Pro class ahead of Paul Ksaifi and Bassel Abu Hamdan, with Ria Dagher taking the Ladies’ Cup in the class. Elias Bechara won the Street class from Nadi Yazbek and Shadi Abou Assi, with Jessica Charbel taking the Ladies’ Cup. Xavier Mosaad won the Super Street class, and Steve Isfahani topped the Exotic Cars class from Jonathan Malek and Georges Malek.
In the Elite Cars club class, Georges Malek won from Nadim Haddad and Steve Hermez, while Rayan Khneisser took the Cross Car class ahead of David Mezher. Wissam Rokoz won the Disability Challenge Cup – his determination and perseverance in continuing to compete earn praise and appreciation from motorsport followers. Joe Beaini won the classic car class, with Bassam Assaf second and Samir Kanaan third.
Pro class
- Alex Feghali
- Paul Ksaifi
- Bassel Abu Hamdan
- PF2: Justin Barouki
- PF3: Alex Feghali
- PF4: Bassel Abu Hamdan
- PF4-R4 (Group N): Carl Rizk
- PF5: Henry Kahy
- PF6: Youssef Bassil
- Rear-wheel drive: Justin Barouki
- Front-wheel drive: Henry Kahy
- Ladies’ Cup: Ria Dagher
Super Street
L4 (two-wheel drive)
- Elie Seif
- Garo Sarafian
- O Kay
L5 (four-wheel drive)
- Jamil Yazbek
- Joe Ghaleb
- Elias Dakkache
L6
- Xavier Mosaad
- Rouwad El-Hachem
- Pierre Rizk
L7
- Samer Antonios
- Chris Hasswani
- Garo Harutyunyan
Street (touring) class
- Elias Bechara
- Nadi Yazbek
- Shadi Abou Assi
L2
- Firas Jaber
- Chris Hasswani
- Garo Harutyunyan
- Rear-wheel drive: Elias Bechara
- Ladies’ Cup: Jessica Charbel
Other classes
Exotic cars
- Steve Isfahani
- Jonathan Malek
- Georges Malek
Elite Cars club
- Georges Malek
- Nadim Haddad
- Steve Hermez
Cross Car
- Rayan Khneisser
- David Mezher
Classic cars
- Joe Beaini
- Bassam Assaf
- Samir Kanaan
Disability Challenge Cup: Wissam Rokoz
Prize-giving
The trophies and prizes were presented in a festive atmosphere by ATCL rally office director Gaby Kraiker, clerk of the course Nabil Kombaz and results officer Elian Toutah.
Next up is the 4×4 Rock Crawling competition on Mount Mnaitra in the Jbeil district on Sunday, April 30.
Photos: MMS Racing.