The second round of the 2025 Petron Makabayan Endurance Race, held at the Clark International Speedway, served as the debut venue for the MSCC Mazda Driver Development Program—an initiative aimed at cultivating young motorsport talent through real-world competition and mentorship.
Mazda Philippines, in collaboration with Windy Imperial, officially rolled out the program through Bermaz Team 09 and a specially prepared MSCC Miata Spec race car. The initiative places focus on developing future champions by exposing them to the demanding environment of endurance racing.
The #09 entry, piloted by up-and-coming talents Javier Toledo, Jeff Balao, and Enzo Celestino, completed an impressive 279 laps and secured a second runner-up finish in the combined six- and twelve-hour Kalayaan Cup. Despite the car originally being built for 30-minute races, it was modified with critical upgrades—such as Winmax brake pads, Cusco suspension, GT Radial SX-R tires, and Concept One wheels—to handle the endurance format.
The top-performing #55 MSCC Miata Spec, led by seasoned racer Angie Mead King, dominated both the six- and twelve-hour races, completing 293 laps with a best time of 2:07.255. This result built on the team’s success from the previous round and showcased the effectiveness of strategic adjustments, including a new quick fuel system and optimized tire selection. The expanded five-driver roster—Angie King, Juha Turalba, Matt Solomon, Milo Rivera, and Tyson Sy—ensured a balanced and efficient race strategy.
Angie highlighted the value of teamwork, particularly when she had to withdraw mid-race due to a bout of vertigo. “We stuck to our strategy—push early, conserve in the middle, and push again toward the end,” she said.
Windy Imperial emphasized that the MSCC Mazda Driver Development Program aims to accelerate the learning curve of promising drivers by combining technical skill-building with racing discipline. “Endurance racing demands not just speed, but focus, maturity, and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics,” he noted.
Both King and Imperial view their roles not just as drivers but as mentors dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Filipino racers.
