Jezzine Rally: Roger Feghali, of course!

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Roger Feghali won the eleventh edition of the ATCL Jezzine Rally on Sunday to no one’s surprise. It was the Lebanese champion’s ninth victory in the event, an all-time record.

It’s become almost a ritual on race days. On Sunday in Jezzine, Roger Feghali struck again! “The rally in Lebanon is a car race bringing together the country’s best drivers, and in the end, Roger Feghali wins.” Admittedly, this free paraphrase of Gary Lineker may not be brilliant, but it does have the merit of being true. As a result, this victory can hardly be considered a surprise given that Roger Feghali with his impressive local and international record was the arch-favorite for this event.

To say that Roger Feghali was fast on Sunday would be an understatement as the Lebanese champion totally asphyxiated the competition winning all six special stages. He took the lead right from the first speed stage leaving nothing but crumbs for his rivals who were resigned to playing second fiddle. He never relinquished this leadership until the finish line over 2 minutes ahead of his closest rival Bassel Bou Hamdan. Bou Hamdan managed to hold on to 2nd place in the final overall standings despite a relentless pursuit from Alex Feghali who finally came within 17 seconds of the runner-up spot.

Sunday’s Rallye de Jezzine organized by the National Sports Authority (ASN) part of the Automobile et Touring Club du Liban (ATCL) was the eleventh edition of the event. Sponsored by the municipalities of Jezzine in coordination with the Lebanese Motor Sports Committee, the race was the second round of the Lebanese Rally Championship for the current year after the Spring Rally. The total distance of the course was 237.27 kilometers including seven speed special stages (SS) 96.69 kilometers long.

Iconic event

The Jezzine Rally is an iconic automotive event that takes place every year in the beautiful mountainous region of Jezzine, Lebanon. It is considered one of the country’s most prestigious and eagerly-awaited rallies attracting seasoned drivers and motor sport enthusiasts alike.

Located in southern Lebanon, Jezzine offers a spectacular natural setting for this rally competition. The roads wind through the mountains offering exhilarating and demanding challenges for the drivers. Tight bends, uphill and downhill sections, and breathtaking scenery make each edition of the rally a true test of skill, precision, and courage.

The Jezzine Rally offers different categories of racing to include a wide range of participants. From professional rally cars to modified touring vehicles, each category offers a unique experience and puts drivers’ skills to the test. Teams compete to achieve the fastest times on timed special stages, where speed, control, and strategy are essential for success.

The event also attracts large numbers of enthusiastic spectators from all over the country. The course roads are lined with passionate supporters who cheer loudly for their favorite drivers. The atmosphere is electric with the roar of engines, the smell of petrol, and the palpable excitement spreading through the crowd. The Jezzine Rally is not just a sporting event, it’s also a celebration of the local community. The people of Jezzine are proud to host this event and are actively involved in its organization. Many volunteers come forward to help with logistics and security, and to welcome participants and spectators. It’s an opportunity for the town to showcase its heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

In addition to the race itself, the Jezzine Rally offers a variety of activities and entertainment to keep spectators entertained. Food stalls offer delicious local cuisine allowing visitors to discover traditional Lebanese flavours. Stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs are also present offering spectators the chance to take home a little piece of the event.

A man with an exceptional career

Roger Feghali is one of Lebanon’s leading motorsport figures. A seasoned rally driver, he is renowned for his exceptional performances and his unwavering commitment to this demanding sport.

Born on September 20, 1973 in the commune of Wadi Chahrour, Roger Feghali began his career as a rally driver at an early age. Inspired by his passion for cars and speed, he quickly proved his worth on local circuits. “Time went by so fast,” Roger Feghali tells Ici Beyrouth.

Roger Feghali has taken part in numerous national and international championships, accumulating an impressive list of achievements over the years. He has won several Lebanese championship titles in different categories, demonstrating his versatility and mastery of different surfaces and racing conditions. His consistency, precision, and ability to handle pressure make him a formidable driver on any track. His local exploits, such as the Lebanon Rally (rallye du Liban), which he has won 16 times, and the Spring Rally, have set the record straight. Regionally, he has won 14 Jordan rallies, in addition to the famous Tal el-Rumman Hill Climb, which he has won three times. In 2014, he won the Shiraz Rally. Also in 2014, he created a sensation by winning the Michelin Trophy at the Rallye du Rouergue (France). A year later, he won the Rallye d’Antibes in France.

What sets Roger Feghali apart is his unwavering passion for motor sport and his perseverance in the face of challenges. He is renowned for his dedication and hard work, spending countless hours honing his skills, fine-tuning his car, and analyzing courses. His professionalism and methodical approach have made him a role model for many young drivers who aspire to follow in his footsteps. “I’ve always taken every competition I’ve entered seriously,” Feghali continues. “I’ve worked hard to get where I am because talent alone is not enough.”

Beyond his achievements on the track, Feghali is also appreciated for his charismatic personality and humble attitude. He is respected by his peers and admired by rally fans for his fair play and loyalty to the sport. He embodies the values of sportsmanship and is considered an exemplary ambassador for motorsport in Lebanon. “My team and the support of those close to me mean everything to me; without them, I would have been a long way from all these achievements,” Feghali points out with humility. The rally driver continues to push back his limits and take on new challenges. He is always striving for excellence and never stops surpassing himself. His passion for motorsport remains intact, and he continues to inspire the next generation of drivers to pursue their dreams and persevere on their journey. In short, Roger Feghali is much more than a talented rally driver. He is an icon of Lebanese motorsport, embodying passion, determination, and competitive spirit. His exceptional career and dedication make him a role model for young drivers while his charisma and humility endear him to rally fans.

Thanks to his clear-cut triumph, Feghali is already taking a firm grip on the national title and sending out a strong message to all his rivals. “My next objective is the Lebanon Rally in September,” he says . Having so far amassed a plethora of victories in a number of local, regional, and international competitions, Roger’s name will forever be engraved in the history of motor sport in Lebanon. And there’s more to come!