A Lebanese motorsport talent, Stephanie Hobeika, made a memorable debut in the Radical Club Challenge Championship. Racing under DW Racing, she achieved a podium finish in Class C at Brands Hatch after transitioning from karting. Despite the complexities of multi-class racing, Hobeika demonstrated remarkable adaptability and secured third place in her Radical SR1 during race two. Her journey marks a significant step forward for Lebanese female motorsport enthusiasts, following her triumph at the Formula Woman Middle East bootcamp in 2024.

Stephanie's Debut Weekend

In a golden autumnal weekend at Brands Hatch, Stephanie Hobeika marked her entry into circuit racing with an impressive performance. Competing in the Radical Club Challenge Championship, she faced the daunting task of mastering multi-class racing. After participating in a series of test sessions at Brands Hatch, Stephanie lined up fourth in Class C for her first race. Technical issues forced her retirement in race one, but undeterred, she returned for race two. Here, she skillfully navigated through traffic and capitalized on her experience to overtake rival Vikram Sudera, securing third place and a podium finish.

The Radical Club Challenge Championship provided an ideal platform for drivers like Hobeika to develop their skills. With its high-downforce machinery and iconic British circuits, it offered a challenging yet rewarding environment. Hobeika's Radical SR1 proved to be an affordable yet effective starting point for her new adventure in circuit racing.

Her journey was not without obstacles; just three months prior, she had suffered a spinal fracture in a karting accident. Yet, her resilience shone through as she made a triumphant return to the racetrack. Qualifying saw her improve consistently, despite a shortened session due to a red flag, placing fourth in Class C. In race two, Stephanie showcased her growing confidence and racecraft, overcoming challenges posed by faster classes and securing her podium position.

As part of the Formula Woman initiative, Hobeika's participation in test sessions at Dubai Autodrome last December sparked her ambition to take this next step. Her victory at the Formula Woman Middle East bootcamp earned her a spot at the upcoming Formula Woman Nations Cup in May at Dubai Autodrome.

From a journalist's perspective, Stephanie Hobeika's story is nothing short of inspiring. Her determination and adaptability highlight the potential for women in motorsport, breaking barriers and setting new standards. As she progresses to the Formula Woman Nations Cup, her journey serves as a beacon for aspiring female racers worldwide, proving that perseverance and passion can overcome any challenge. The future looks bright for this trailblazing Lebanese racer as she continues to make waves in the world of motorsport.