2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Spec Series begins May 25

First leg of the 2024 Mazda Miata Spec Series will start next month at Batangas Racing Circuit

The country’s only one-make sports car racing series, the MSCC Miata Spec Series, returns for a third season this 2024. Organized by Mazda Philippines and the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC), and supported by Pilipinas Shell, GT Radial, and B.R.M. Chronographes, the first race for the 2024 calendar starts on May 25 (Saturday) at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

“The MSCC Miata Spec Series is inspired by the largest one-make grassroots race series in the world, the Mazda MX-5 race series across Japan, Europe, and the United States. It is a one-make racing series that puts emphasis on driver skill and talent and one that is inexpensive and safe. “And because it is co-organized by the Manila Sports Car Club, the entire atmosphere is one of family and community. We hope to get younger and older generations to enjoy the sport of racing together in the MSCC Miata Spec Series,” said Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines.

As with previous seasons, the MSCC Miata Spec Series is split into three classes—the GT Radial Sportsman Class (drivers who are learning race craft), Shell Pro Class (racers with professional racing experience), and the B.R.M. Chronographes Masters Class (racers 55 years old and above, regardless of past racing experience).

Expect the races to be even more competitive with the return of former Formula 3 driver Tyson Sy and last year’s overall champion and former international karting champion, Juha Turalba. Professional drivers at the top of their game, Angie King and Red Diwa, will also challenge for the top spots.

Those who want to join the MSCC Miata Spec Series this season can get 3 newly built MX-5 Spec Series racecars. For PHP 2,830,000, the MX-5 Spec Series race package includes all related track fees for the entire 12/14-lap, 4-round, 8-race season. Each race weekend, each car will receive 65 liters of Shell V-Power Racing fuel, Shell Helix Ultra engine oil, and a new set of GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires.

The sports car’s platform has been made stiffer with the use of a Mazdaspeed upper-stress bar and front lower arm power brace. Each suspension component has been enhanced with CUSCO Sport S 24-way adjustable coilovers and sway bars (24 mm at the front, 14 mm at the rear) to maximize handling and performance on the track while ensuring drivability on the road.

All MX-5 Spec Series cars race with GT Radial Champiro SX2 215/45R17 tires mounted on Rota Strike 17 x 8.0 J wheels. Repeated hard braking on the circuit also meant improving the brakes, using AutoExe stainless steel braided hose lines and Winmax brake pads.

A custom stainless steel exhaust system, developed by local company Drift Xaust, maximizes airflow and highlights the racing note emanating from the MX-5’s 184 PS engine. Last but not least, a Sparco R345 competition steering wheel, Grid-Q racing seats, and four-point harness, as well as a CUSCO 6-point roll cage and safety net, are installed to secure the drivers’ control and safety on and off the track.

• Leg 1, Race 1-2: May 25, 2024 (Saturday) – Batangas Racing Circuit

• Leg 2, Race 3-4: July 13, 2024 (Saturday) – Clark International Speedway

• Leg 3, Race 5-6: September 21, 2024 (Saturday) – Batangas Racing Circuit

• Leg 4, Race 7-8: November 16, 2024 (Saturday) – Clark International Speedway