Mazda celebrates ‘never stop challenging spirit’ on 31st anniversary of first Le Mans win

MANILA: On June 23, 1991, the number 55 Mazda 787B crossed the finish line at the Le Mans 24 Hour race to mark a historic achievement. Mazda had been the first Japanese carmaker to win the world’s most prestigious endurance race. Not only that, Mazda did it with a wholly unique engine that not only attracted fans at the track with its ear-piercing roar, but had become a symbol for Mazda’s “never stop challenging spirit” — the rotary engine.

Many people are unaware that the 1991 victory of the 787B was the result of 13 years of hard work to develop the rotary engine for motorsports. It also ensured Mazda's spot on the automotive map even before it entered the racetrack. Many carmakers sought to use rotary engines due to the promise of simplicity, smoothness, compactness, high RPMs, and a high power-to-weight ratio; however, only Mazda was able to develop a model that turned out to be reliable.

It only took fuel, tires, and one oil change for the 787B's rotary engine to complete 362 flawless laps of the Circuit de la Sarthe, demonstrating the dependability, efficiency, and performance of Mazda's unique rotary engine technology.

Despite the numerous challenges experienced while creating the rotary, Mazda remained committed in pursuing the goal. This is what defines Mazda and its involvement in motorsports today.

Because Mazda is devoted to creating vehicles that enable its drivers to relish driving and control them as they like, the MX-5 has become the most raced car in the world. In the Philippines, the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) Miata Spec Series and the Miata Cup give Filipinos the chance to feel that ultimate bond between car and driver.

The MSCC Miata Spec Series offers a genuine turnkey racing experience. This two heat, 10-lap race that features identical cars provides a true test of driving skills. The fourth-generation MX-5 is used in this series. Using a showroom stock engine and transmission, the suspension and chassis have been tweaked to improve grip.

The Miata Cup, on the other hand, is the longest-running sportscar racing series in the country. It is organized by the Miata Club of the Philippines (MCP) and features all four generations of the lightweight, agile roadster. The Miata Cup divides the grid into five classes based on how quickly they can drive around the track to ensure a more equitable playing field while reducing costs.

“There are a variety of ways for drivers to interact, to enjoy cars, and to take on the challenge to achieve even more. We, at Mazda Philippines, support a variety of desires that people wish to achieve through their cars. Whether it be as a hobby, a source of pride, a way to interact with family, or even realize their dreams, motorsports show the ‘never stop challenging spirit’ of people who celebrate driving,” Mazda Philippines President and CEO Steven Tan stated.

Photos from Mazda Philippines

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