The 2025 Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge commenced with a strong showing from Team MSCC Mazda Miata Spec, setting the tone for a highly competitive season. The team’s #55 Mazda Miata Spec car delivered an exceptional performance during the Kagitingan Cup, the first of the three-round series, by taking top honors in both the 2-Hour and 4-Hour Race Challenge categories.
Built under the guidance of Angie Mead King, the race car was designed and engineered specifically for endurance racing. Despite retaining its stock 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine, the vehicle clocked 63 laps in the 2-Hour Race with a best time of 1:49.8, and 120 laps in the 4-Hour Race with a fastest lap of 1:53.7.
This performance is the result of a three-year effort to enhance the already capable Mazda MX-5 platform, known globally as the most-raced car. Angie focused on significant weight reduction and speed improvements. This year’s iteration includes a carbon fiber body kit, Brembo front brakes, Cusco coilovers and suspension upgrades, a new rear differential, a HGT 6-speed sequential transmission, and performance tires.
The new gearbox alone contributed to an improvement of up to 4.5 seconds per lap, while the lightweight body kit improved agility and efficiency on the track. Angie highlighted that the motivation behind the upgrades was simple: to improve year after year and raise the standard of performance for the team.
Setbacks during preparation and up to race day were met with determination—a reflection of Mazda’s “Never Stop Challenging” philosophy. During qualifying, the car achieved an impressive lap time of 1:47.969, despite limited testing time.
The success of the MSCC Miata Spec project is a testament to collaboration. Key contributions came from Mazda Philippines, team principals Windy Imperial and Steven Tan, Race Engineer Edgen Dy-Liacco, and drivers Tyson Sy, Juha Turalba, and Milo Rivera. Mazda Japan’s Head of Motorsport, Takahiro Kobayakawa, also offered technical input that contributed to the vehicle’s development.
Looking ahead to the remaining rounds scheduled for June 14–15 and November 29–30 at Clark International Speedway, Team MSCC is preparing further refinements aimed at extracting even more performance from the platform.
Bermaz Auto Philippines, Inc. (Mazda Philippines) is the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts in the Philippines.
