From remote control cars to Karting, he is pursuing a childhood dream and his family is giving him all his support. He has established himself as one of the best RC drivers in Lebanon and he is looking to prove himself in karting too, by starting in the amateur championships. Joey Hajj talks to us about his dreams ambitions and the world he lives in.
Can you introduce yourself to Lebanese public and the people who don’t know you and the type of sport you practice?
My Name is Joey Hajj and I’m 16 years old. I’m a fan of everything related to cars since I was a kid. My father helped me in this field and now I’m building for a future in RC and Motorsports.
People know you more in the Remote Control cars and their championships, tell us more about this field.
Well I started with RCs when I was very young in Lebanon. My dad used to put me in competitions so I can start gaining experience and get used to the rules of the game. At the beginning I was not that fast and it took me a while to start winning in Lebanon. When I became ready I started participating in the Asian championships and started winning outside too.
[singlepic id=2016 w=320 h=240 float=left]How old where you when you started this sport?
I was around 5 or 6 years old. I was the youngest amongst the Lebanese guys in Lebanon and I started winning in 2008 in the Asian championships. We were in Malaysia and I won my category after a very tough weekend where we had problems in the car and we sorted it out at the last minute.
You dad is an expert in the RC field and he is known as Dr. Tamiya. How much do you think he has influenced your presence in such a domain?
He is everything; if it was not up to him I would never have raced and won championships.
We are seeing that this sport has a lot of lovers in Lebanon and many people are practicing it. Where do you see yourself in this sport in Lebanon for the future?
Well I am amongst the best in the field in Lebanon. I can’t say I’m the best because we always learn new things and improve ourselves and I believe that I can continue if I keep the hard work.
Anyway RC cars are my hobby and I will continue driving them as long as possible after all you can’t give away a hobby you have grown up doing.
Lately we are seeing you in the SWS Karting championship, what made you participate in such a tournament?
Karting is also my Hobby. I used to practice karting since I was around 11 years old. I progressed and started driving faster cars and I used to enjoy it so much. Before I was 11, I wanted to drive but my feet wouldn’t reach the pedals so I had to wait a while so I can start driving.
When we knew that there is a championship called SWS I really got motivated to drive although I never drove a 13 horse power Kart. It took me around 2 or 3 laps to get used to the car and I started getting faster with time.
The first ace as tough and I fought hard and learned a lot especially about the flags and the rules of the race, while in the second race I was much better and finished the whole event 2nd out of 30 drivers. In the third race we had some problems, I faced a shunt and I was able to qualify for the last race were I finished the 7th overall.
How do you see the championship so far, especially that you are ranking 4th in the points between the Lebanese drivers?
Well the championship is looking very good and I think it will be a tough battle.
[singlepic id=2025 w=320 h=240 float=left]Can you beat Mohammad Basbous who has the biggest amount of points between the Lebanese drivers, in remaining 2 races?
I can’t promise you anything but I can tell you that we will try our best to win the final 2 races.
After the SWS experience do you find yourself competing officially in some kind of motorsport, and wht would it be?
Well I would love to continue in Karting and circuit racing in general. We will see how things will evolve from there on.
You are in an age where most teenagers are thrilled to drive and take their dad’s car and drift, but we see you doing safe motorsports. What do you advice teenagers your age about driving?
Well for sure they should go into motorsports and not speed on the roads. It is much safer and much more beneficial and as you know there are many tragic deaths daily on the roads.
What kind of motorsports did you watch when you were younger and who was your favorite athlete?
I used to watch Formula 1 since I was a very small kid and my favorite was Mika Hakkinen.
So you are an old F1 fan, so who do you see as a bright talent in now a days?
Vettel and Button are both very good.
And in Lebanese Motorsports?
Abdo Feghali.
Any last message?
I would like to thank you as www.biser3a.com for all the support you are giving me and I wish that all the guys that love speed and motorsports to go to Karting or RC. I would like thank HobbyMaxx and Alain Laham for the big support they have given in through out my career.
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