- 11
- June
- 2025
Grip, flair and raw horsepower. The first-ever Speed 4x4 event by ATCL echoed through the Kfardebian mountains as a select group of elite drivers went head-to-head in a spectacular off-road showdown.
Held last weekend in the heights of Kfardebian, the 4x4 tires barely had time to cool down. Organized by Lebanon’s National Sporting Authority and the Automobile & Touring Club of Lebanon (ATCL), the inaugural Speed 4x4 marked the launch of a bold new era for off-road racing in the country. Steep slopes, swirling dust, sharp turns and unforgiving time trials: the course demanded a mix of raw power and technical finesse.
Georges Ziadé: Quiet Power
In the premier all-wheel-drive category, Georges Ziadé rose above the pack, taming his Jeep Cherokee in a sharp 7’55". Right on his heels, Tony Jalbout grabbed second place with 8’07", narrowly edging out a determined Tony Akoury (8’08"). Three drivers, three Jeeps and a battle of seconds in the dusty heights of Kfardebian.
UTV Turbos Sink Their Teeth In
The UTV Turbo Beasts put on an electrifying show. Pierre Rizk, unstoppable in his Maverick XRS Turbo, clocked a blistering 7’13", the fastest time of the day. Behind him, Spiro stayed in contention with a solid 7’31" aboard his Can-Am Maverick X3, while Camille Mechref rounded out the podium in his Maverick 900 Turbo (8’03").
Rising Stars Push the Limits
The under-18s were ready to take on the competition. In the Junior UTV Turbo class, Hadi Nakhlé took the win with 8’40", ahead of brothers Anthony and Alvin Saliba, who gave it everything to complete the podium.
In the Junior UTV Normal category, Gio Hokayem held his nerve to take first place in 9’28", mastering the track’s traps with cool composure.
And the Others…
Special shoutout to Marc Chidiac, the lone contender in the Senior UTV Normal class, who laid down a clean 8’00" with his Yamaha YXZ 1000.
What about Rachid Naanaï? The veteran proved that experience still rules behind the wheel. He achieved 8’51" in his Range Rover and won the “Veteran Driver” trophy.
A High-Altitude Vibe
The prize ceremony was held in a warm, friendly atmosphere, presided over by race director Gaby Kreiker, alongside Najib Akiki representing the Kfardebian Municipality, Issam Makhlouf and Yasmina Naanaï, the event’s charming ambassador. Trophies were handed out with smiles, cheers and applause.
It’s safe to say this debut Speed 4x4 event was a roaring success. Lebanon’s off-road scene is shifting into high gear, and this is just the beginning.
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