MANILA: The first round of the 2024 Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) Miata Spec Series saw participants battle it out in wheel-to-wheel racing and against the elements. 

In a statement, Mazda Philippines said the competitors of the one-make racing series faced unfavorable weather conditions, which tested the racer’s skills and resolve. 

Amid the challenges presented by torrential rain last May 25 at the Batangas Racing Circuit, Tyson Sy — who entered the Miata Spec Series Shell Pro Class— managed to net victories in Races 1 and 2 of Round 1. He also set the fastest lap time recorded for both races. 

Meanwhile, Juha Turalba, who was last year’s MSCC Miata Spec Series Champion, showed his mettle by finishing third in Race 1 and second in Race 2. Guest driver Gaby Dela Merced also claimed a second-place finish in Race 1 and third place in Race 2.

Within the B.R.M. Chronogaphes Masters Class for racers aged 55 years old and above, Windy Imperial clinched victory in Race 1 and second place in Race 2. Miata Spec Series first-timer Michael Jordan, meanwhile, exhibited a strong debut with a third-place finish in Race 1 and first place in Race 2. Jean Dejardin, in turn, displayed his consistency with second place in Race 1 and third place in Race 2.

Last but not least, the GT Radial Sportsman Class saw Javier Toledo’s determination which earned him victories in Races 1 and 2. Following Toledo was Enzo Celestino, who managed to get second-place positions in both Race 1 and Race 2, while John Bornilla finished the two races in third.

Of note, all racers competing in the MSCC Miata Spec Series do so behind the wheel of identical showroom-built examples of the manual transmission Mazda MX-5 Soft Top. All cars get Cusco Sport S 24-way adjustable coilovers, a sway bar, AutoExe braided hose lines, Winmax brake pads, GT Radial Champiro tires, and a Drift Xaust exhaust system. 

All the MX-5 race cars used in the Miata Spec Series were also fitted with a slew of race safety bits, including a four-point harness, a safety net, and a racing seat from Grid-Q. 

As of 2024, Mazda says it made several additional improvements to the Miata spec series race car. Vehicle recovery is now easier thanks to Sparco front and rear tow straps. The car’s brakes are also kept cool and in tip-top condition thanks to its new front brake cooling ducts. 

With the 2024 MSCC Miata Spec Series Round 1 done, the overall driver standings placed Sy in the lead with 42 points, trailed by Turalba at 27 points and Dela Merced in third with 25 points. 

Round 2 of the one-make race is scheduled for July 20, 2024 at the Clark International Speedway. 

Photos from Mazda Philippines

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