Excitement is building up in the local motorsports scene as the 2024 season of the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) Spec-Miata Race Series and the Miata Club of the Philippines (MCP) Miata Cup Race Series gears up for action-packed competition. The MSCC Miata Spec Series gears up for its third season in 2024, promising another exhilarating year of one-make sports car racing action. Jointly organized by Mazda Philippines and the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC), this renowned racing series is set to kick off its 2024 calendar with the first race scheduled on May 25 at the Batangas Racing Circuit.
The MX-5 has firmly established itself as a circuit racing platform renowned for its combination of fun, affordability, and reliability. Its track record speaks volumes, having clinched victory in multiple endurance races, including the four-, eight-, and twelve-hour events, on five separate occasions in the Philippines. Similarly, the MSCC Miata Spec Series has maintained a flawless finishing record, with race cars completing races without incident. Remarkably, the majority of MX-5 Spec Series race cars, dating back to Season 1 in 2022, have completed entire seasons with minimal maintenance requirements, primarily limited to consumables such as engine oil, filters, and brake pads. Notably, Pilipinas Shell and GT Radial continue their support by fully sponsoring fuel, engine oil, and tires, ensuring participants can focus on racing without financial constraints.
Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines, emphasizes the series' inspiration from the renowned Mazda MX-5 race series across global circuits. He highlights the MSCC Miata Spec Series as an avenue that prioritizes driver skill and talent, offering an inexpensive and safe racing experience. Co-organized by the Manila Sports Car Club, the series fosters a sense of community and camaraderie, appealing to enthusiasts of all ages.
Meanwhile, the MSCC Miata Spec Series maintains its three-class structure, catering to drivers at various skill levels. The GT Radial Sportsman Class accommodates drivers honing their racing craft, while the Shell Pro Class welcomes racers with professional racing experience. Additionally, the B.R.M. Chronographes Masters Class provides a platform for racers aged 55 and above, irrespective of past racing experience.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, competitors can expect heightened competition with the return of seasoned drivers such as former Formula 3 driver Tyson Sy and reigning champion Juha Turalba, a former international karting champion. Notably, professional drivers Angie King and Red Diwa are set to challenge for top honors.
For aspiring participants, Mazda Philippines offers three newly-built MX-5 Spec Series race cars priced at ₱2,830,000. This comprehensive race package covers all track fees for the entire season, comprising 12/14-lap, 4-round, 8-race events. Each race weekend, cars receive 65 liters of Shell V-Power Racing fuel, Shell Helix Ultra engine oil, and a new set of GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires.
Enhancements to the MX-5 Spec Series race cars include a stiffer platform achieved through a Mazdaspeed upper stress bar and front lower arm power brace. Suspension components are upgraded with CUSCO Sport S 24-way adjustable coil overs and sway bars to optimize handling and performance on the track. All cars are equipped with GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires mounted on Rota Strike 17 x 8.0 J wheels, ensuring optimal grip during races.
The racing experience is further enhanced with a custom stainless steel exhaust system developed by local company Drift Xaust, delivering an exhilarating racing note. Safety features include a Sparco R345 competition steering wheel, Grid-Q racing seats, and a CUSCO 6-point roll cage and safety net, ensuring driver control and safety on and off the track.
With only two requirements – owning an MX-5 Spec Series race car and membership to the Manila Sports Car Club – the MSCC Miata Spec Series continues to provide a platform for enthusiasts to indulge in the thrill of competitive racing. As the countdown begins to the inaugural race, excitement mounts among drivers eager to test their skills on the track.