PHOTO: Race 2 podium finishers Juha Turalba (3rd), Allan Uy (1st), Angie King (2nd)
The much-anticipated MSCC Miata Spec Series took the green flag at the Clark International Speedway last Saturday, when no less than 20 race-prepped Mazda MX-5 roadsters roared around the track for Round 1 of the 4-round one-make race series.
“This is a dream come true not just for us at Mazda Philippines, but for the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) as well,” shares Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines. “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.”
Amidst the scorching heat and the raucous roar of the crowd, Allan Uy in car no. 99 scored an outstanding victory in Race 1 with a 4.455-second gap over 2nd place Paul Henderson Perez in Car No. 77. Angie King, in car no. 12, completed the podium finishers.
As the temperatures dropped slightly for the more tightly contested Race 2, Uy once again took the checkered flag (with a smaller 2.047-second gap) to the fast-charging King who clinched 2nd place. Juha Turalba, in car no.8, rounded up the top three finishers.
Uy stamped his class by also setting fastest time of the day, lapping the 4.189-kilometer circuit in just 2 minutes 19.125 seconds for an average speed of 108.679 km/h.
All MSCC Miata Spec Series cars are identical, underscoring the real test of driving skill throughout the 10-lap race. The MSCC Miata Spec Series MX-5 uses a completely stock 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine mated to a 6-speed Skyactiv manual transmission. To further enhance the MX-5’s already formidable cornering power, the suspension components have been upgraded and reinforced with CUSCO sports coilovers and chassis braces.
A custom stainless steel exhaust system, developed by local company Drift Xaust, maximizes air flow and enhances the aggressive racing note emanating from the MX-5’s high-revving 181-horsepower mill. A Sparco competition steering wheel, racing seat, harness and safety net, along with a new CUSCO racing roll cage, are all installed in each car to secure the drivers’ control and safety. All Miata Spec Series racecars come fitted with GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires mounted on custom 17 x 8.0 J Rota Strike wheels.
The MSCC Miata Spec Series is sponsored by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, GT Radial tires, and Rota Wheels. The remaining race dates are scheduled for August 27 (Race 3 and 4), October 22 (Race 5 and 6), and November 26 (Race 7 and 8). All races will be held at the Clark International Speedway.
Callout blurb:
“This is a dream come true not just for us at Mazda Philippines, but for the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) 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.”—Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines.
