Mazda PH kicks off MSCC Miata Spec Series

MANILA: The Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) Miata Spec Series began its first season last Saturday, June 11, at Clark International Speedway. Twenty race-ready Mazda MX-5s took to the track for the first round of the four-round race series.

In a statement, Mazda Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Tan said, “This is a dream come true not just for us at Mazda Philippines, but for the Manila Sports Car Club as well. It was a long time coming, and it’s the result of our blood, sweat, and tears. It’s truly a passion project, and I’m glad that MSCC members were able to celebrate driving with the most-raced car in the world — the MX-5.”

Allan Uy in Car No. 99 dominated Race 1 with a 4.455-second lead over second-placed Paul Henderson Perez in Car No. 77. The top three finishers were completed by Angie King in Car No. 12.

For Race 2, Uy once again took the lead with a 2.047-second lead over King, who had to settle for second place. Juha Turalba finished third in Car No. 8.

Uy also set the fastest time of the day, completing the 4.189-kilometer Clark International Speedway in two minutes, 19.125 seconds, with an average speed of 108.679 kph. Because all MSCC Miata Spec Series cars are identical, the 10-lap race was a true test of driving ability.

The MSCC Miata Spec Series vehicle is equipped with a showroom-stock 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine paired to a six-speed Skyactiv manual transmission. The suspension components have been modified and strengthened with Cusco sports coil overs and chassis braces to extract even more grip.

Drift Xaust custom stainless steel exhaust system optimizes air flow and amplifies the intense racing note originating from the MX-5's 181-horsepower engine. Each car features a Sparco competition steering wheel, racing seat, harness, and safety net, as well as a new Cusco racing roll cage to ensure the drivers' control and safety. The Miata Spec Series cars are equipped with  GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires mounted on custom 17 x 8.0 J Rota Strike wheels.

The MSCC Miata Spec Series is co-presented by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, GT Radial tires, and Rota Wheels. The next races will happen on August 27 (Races 3 and 4), October 22 (Races 5 and 6), and November 26 (Races 7 and 8). All races will take place at the Clark International Speedway.

Photos from Mazda Philippines

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