COMING TO FRUITION
The MSCC Mazda Spec Series has undoubtedly gone a long way to break down barriers and overcome challenges for a one-make racing event that was once only a pipe dream
Running a racing series can be a daunting task. Not only does it require a dedicated workforce that’s committed to making the event as seamless to the competitors as it is enticing to the spectators, but it also needs the right people with enough experience in race organization and officiating, to ensure the event is held with credibility and high regard.
The Manila Sports Car Club and Mazda Philippines embarked on an ambitious project to conduct the country’s first one-make sports car series. Banking on the Mazda MX-5 as the car to compete in, Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan convinced the MSCC to adopt the diminutive top-down sports car as its racecar of choice.
The legendary Miata’s reliability, availability, and authentic sports car pedigree would all be enhanced by a set list of safety and performance upgrades from motorsports brands such as Cusco, Sparco, and even local car exhaust builder Drift Xhaust. More than 20 car orders were secured and race-prepared by experienced technicians from Mazda Philippines. And even MSCC members had a hand in fine-tuning the cars.
Throughout the season, the drivers, all MSCC members, honed their skills on the rearwheel
drive roadster. Some even secured racing coaches to uplift their race craft, and others relied on extended practice sessions to get familiar with the setups the Miata afforded.
The MSCC Miata Spec Series had all the ingredients to flourish. It had the support of a passionate club and its esteemed members. It had generous sponsors such as Shell Philippines for the cars’ fuel, GT Radial for the series’ tires, and Rota Wheels for their specially cast 17-inch alloys that made the spec cars look beefier
in person.
The Spec Series had a hero car that was no stranger to motorsports. The MX-5 was lightweight and easy to drive; both are essential racecar prerequisites. The 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine was powerful enough to provide excellent acceleration and performance for the lightweight Miata.
The Miata Spec Series was also fortunate enough to be envisioned as a one-make event. Engines and computer boxes couldn’t be modified, coilover suspensions are the same spec
ification, and chassis braces are the same for everyone as with the wheels, tires, and brake pads. Even the roll cages come from one source. With the Miata Spec Series, only the driver can make a massive difference in the results.
But the real clincher here is the support from Mazda Philippines. Mazda Japan has been aware of the program from the start and has supported the local distributor’s production run for manual transmission-equipped MX-5s. Hidetoshi Kudo, the Managing
Executive Officer of Mazda Corporation is in town to not only catch the races but also meet with the drivers and other passionate members of the Miata Club of the Philippines.
Former Vios Cup champion and karting ace Allan Uy has led the championship standings from the start. The fourth race weekend ended yesterday, and with Uy’s lead, he’d be the sure champion even if he had skipped running in the third leg. Angie King, Paul Perez, Tyson Sy, and Juha Turalba all figured prominently in the Pro class, while Lawrence Celestino was the only novice in the top 10.
The MSCC Mazda Spec Series has undoubtedly gone a long way to break down barriers
and overcome challenges for a one-make racing event that was once only a pipe dream. As with true Mazda fashion, it has defied convention. It has proven that a one-make race series can be something other than a budget car to get going. With the support of the MSCC and its sponsors, Mazda has proven that a sports car can also be a viable platform for a local motorsports event.
With the first season done, it is time to evaluate and assess its successes and shortcomings. It is time to get people dedicated to the cause on board and in the right places to ensure maximum publicity. Because, in the end, this is still an honest to goodness marketing exercise for the brand.