Ardigo, he’s been driving for many years.” What about the tech side of all this? “I have a Shifter Kart in Beirut. It’s the fastest kart in the world. Before Schumacher returned to F1, he tested on this kart. Like all the award-winning athletes in Lebanon that RAGMAG has spoken to, Chant struggles with sponsorship. “Last year I did 3 Hill Climbs, my first time driving a Rally Car. It’s so difficult in Lebanon. Motorsports, Rallying, and Karting are the most expensive sports. If you’re doing the Lebanese Championship, you need about ten to fifteen thousand dollars.” Each year the champions are gifted engines from the much coveted
Rotax, part of Bombardier Recreational Products, to race in the world finals. “In the World Finals, they give you a test drive with a Formula Renault but it depends, not every year. Each year the winner is gifted something different,” says Chant. “I love it, even if there is so much to do. I had to take my kart to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt and no one helped. It was such a complicated procedure with customs papers,” he explains just touching on some of the red tape Karters from Lebanon face, even though they’re representing the country in a world class competition. Chant, whose name means “thunder” in Armenian, certainly looks at
the situation practically. Despite the difficulties, he will continue to participate being both an avid sportsman and fan. “Last year the World Champion was Daniel Mourad, he’s a Lebanese Canadian. We do great in these sports.” We agree, Chant. Good luck next month, RAGMAG is rooting for you!
‘I HAVE A SHIFTER KART IN BEIRUT. IT’S THE FASTEST KART IN THE WORLD.’ BEFORE SCHUMACHER RETURNED TO F1, HE TESTED ON THIS KART
THE MOTORIZED ISSUE
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