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3. Karting – Doha: Moghabghab Launches The Rocket, The Njeims Secure The Double

In Doha, the red and white flags flew high: 9-year-old Alex Moghabghab claimed the Micro Max title, the Njeim brothers delivered a brilliant one-two finish in the R390 Elite Sprint, and Team Lebanon climbed to second place in the nations ranking. A haul that puts the Lebanese next generation at the heart of the regional racing scene.

Third edition organized a few days ago at the Lusail Karting Circuit by the QMMF, the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup brought together more than 170 drivers representing 18 countries, divided into the Rotax categories (Micro/Mini/Junior/Senior Max, DD2 and DD2 Masters) and the R390 formats (Sprint, Endurance). A cumulative points format that crowns Morocco among the nations and raises Lebanon to the rank of vice-champion, carried by standout performances: Moghabghab’s gold in Micro Max, the double signed by Christopher and Matthias Njeim in R390 Elite Sprint, Edwin Khneisser’s silver in DD2, and Tony Abou Jawdeh’s bronze in Mini Max.

The stroke of genius: Alex Moghabghab, master of the Micro Max
Nine years old, the composure of an adult, and perfectly timed laps: Alex Moghabghab tamed the Micro Max final in 17’51’’688. Behind him, Kuwaiti Abdulaziz Al Sarraf and Tunisian Linda Hanini completed the podium. First checkered flag, first international résumé line — and a name to remember.

The Mini Max branch grabs bronze
In a fast-paced final, Tony Abou Jawdeh went for 3rd place in the Mini Max (13’45’’727), confirming the depth of the Lebanese pipeline among the U12/U13. Ahead of him, Nahyl El Gahoudi (Morocco) and Atiqa Mir (UAE) set a strong pace; Abou Jawdeh kept up until the flag.

DD2: Khneisser in contact
In DD2, the duel was played within tenths: Edwin Khneisser lifted the cedar to 2nd place in a tight final, positioned between Qatari Hamza Hashisho and Moroccan Ghali El Fechtali. A podium that weighs heavily for the nations’ score.

R390 Elite Sprint: Lebanese double for Christopher and Matthias Njeim
Signature moment of the weekend: the R390 Sprint race. Christopher Njeim crossed the line first, Matthias Njeim locked in the double, ahead of Emirati Ahmad Al Hammadi. Two helmets, one surname, and a demonstration of control in the traffic.

The nations ranking: Lebanon vice-champion
Once all category points were tallied, Lebanon took silver behind Morocco, with host country Qatar completing the podium. For such a young team, it’s a message sent to the MENA zone: Lebanon now plays in the big leagues.

Mini summary
One title, three other podiums, and a 2nd place in the team standings: the cedar is now firmly established on the regional grid.