Elie Nehme’s return to a rally stage behind the wheel of a Suzuki Swift Sport, and specifically during the 2013 Summer Rally, came 10 years after his last appearance on a Renault Clio Williams, due to lack of funding and the nature of his work abroad.
Nehme knew how to successfully end the 264.81-kilometer Summer Rally, which is comprised of 107.32-kilometer worth of special stages, by finishing 15th overall and taking the Class 9 victory, knowing that he was only competing against himself.
Absent for 10 years due to lack of funding and work abroad
“After a long absence, we’ve returned to the special stages during the Summer Rally, and the current target is to enjoy every kilometer at the Rally of Lebanon in order to reach the finish line, the same way we did at the Summer Rally.” said the driver who’s ready to tackle the 36th Rally of Lebanon, the fourth round of the 2013 Middle East Rally Championship (5-8 September).
He continued: “These two events are a preparation for next year and I hope the sponsors are happy with the results, and that they continue their support for future events… On this occasion, I would like to thank all of my main sponsors this year Traffik 360, Quest Qualitas and G.A. Bazerji & Sons (Exclusive Suzuki dealer in Lebanon), with their support, our dream is now a reality and a beautiful adventure.”
He’s back and he’s got the “Falcon” back with him
Nehme confirmed that a return after a long absence feels like starting from scratch, but he didn’t want to make a comeback without his former co-driver Louay Sakr with whom he started his career, knowing that the latter has won the 22nd Spring Rally (30 April 2006) on a Mitusbishi Lancer Evo 8 driven by Doumit Bou Doumit.
Nehme did not forget to thank everyone who has supported him, the media for their coverage and the organizers at ATCL, without forgetting his own co-driver Louay Sakr who received several offers from many drivers, but preferred to sit next to Elie.
Nehme concluded by saying: “No doubt that part of the gratitude goes to the technicians who are working in harmony in order to play the best of symphonies and score the best possible times at the special stages.”