July 26, 2016 – Richard Ibrahim is a driver that has cemented himself as one of the best in the motorsport business thanks to his achievements in both the Lebanese Hill Climb Championship and Lebanese Speed Test Championship.
Richard, who currently has Toyo Tyres as his main sponsor, began his racing career back in 2010, enrolling in the Lebanese Speed Test Championship by driving a Peugeot 306 S16 prepared by Emile Khoueiry; he raced for fun, but then found himself competing for top positions as he claimed 2nd place in the front-wheel drive category during the final round of the season.
Richard finished 1st in the SM3 category and 1st in the front-wheel drive Pro category in the 3rd Speed Test 2016
A year later, in 2011, Richard founded Richard Racing Team and switched from the Peugeot 306 to a Renault Clio Williams, which he still uses in the two aforementioned championships today.
In 2012, Richard recorded his first major achievement by claiming the SM3 class victory in Arsoun Hill Climb, in addition to finishing 2nd in the front-wheel drive category. He went to on to finish the 2013 Lebanese Hill Climb Championship in 3rd place in the front-wheel drive category and bettered that result last year, in 2015, by finishing 2nd in the same category.
Chadi Abou Assi powered to 3rd place in the Amateur category in the 2nd Speed Test 2016
Beside Richard, Richard Racing Team embraces Chadi Abou Assi and Mazen El Haber – both of which have collected several podium finishes for the team throughout last year and so far this year. There’s also Joe El Hachem who climbed on the podium on two occasions in the 2015 Lebanese Speed Test Championship. All three drivers also benefit from team sponsors Toyo Tyres, Hateco and NASCO.
Speaking about the team’s future, Richard said: “There’s no big plan for the team at the moment because of lack of sponsorship. It all depends on the sponsors; I would compete in the Lebanese Rally Championship if could, but that’s currently not possible.”
Mazen El Haber on his way to 3rd in the Amateur category during the 3rd Speed Test 2016
“Personally, I do motorsport for the fun and enjoyment, and all the good results that come with it are just a plus, so I’m just happy to be able to compete and score results. Chadi, Mazen and Joe are also doing a fantastic job.”
“Naturally, I would like to thank NASCO (Gulf Oil), Hateco and Toyo Tyres for their massive support. Also, I would like to thank you guys for the coverage; motorsport has coverage issues in Lebanon and that detracts a lot of sponsors, so we’re happy to have you.”
Richard put on a blistering performance in Bkassine Hill Climb to finish 1st in the SM3 class.
In the third and latest round of the 2016 Lebanese Speed Test Championship, Richard finished 1st in the SM3 category – just like in Arsoun and Bkassine Hill Climbs – and 1st in the front-wheel drive Pro category, whilst Mazen El Haber climbed on the podium with 3rd place in the Amateur class.
Despite being a small team compared to other well-established teams in Lebanon, Richard Racing Team is definitely one to look out for and it’s an ideal place for amateur drivers who are seeking access into motorsport.