The 2024 Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC) Miata Spec Series commenced amid torrential rains at the Batangas Racing Circuit in Rosario, Batangas, on Saturday, May 25. Despite the adverse weather, competitors showcased their resilience and skill in the third year of this one-make racing series.
The MSCC Miata Spec Series, supported by sponsors Shell Pilipinas, B.R.M. Chronographes, and GT Radial, features three distinct racing classes. Each class saw intense competition and remarkable performances.
Shell Pro Class Highlights
In the Shell Pro Class, Tyson Sy emerged as the standout performer. Sy mastered the 3.5-kilometer circuit under heavy rain, winning both races and setting the fastest laps in each. His main rival, last season’s champion Juha Turalba, finished third in Race 1 and second in Race 2, maintaining a strong presence. Guest driver Gaby Dela Merced also impressed, securing second place in Race 1 and third in Race 2. All three drivers have prior experience racing the MX-5 in the Makabayan Endurance Cup Challenge.
B.R.M. Chronographes Masters Class
The B.R.M. Chronographes Masters Class, designated for racers aged 55 and above, saw Windy Imperial triumph in Race 1 and take second in Race 2. Michael Jordan had a noteworthy debut, finishing third in Race 1 and winning Race 2. Jean Dejardin’s consistent performance earned him second in Race 1 and third in Race 2.
GT Radial Sportsman Class
In the GT Radial Sportsman Class, Javier Toledo dominated by winning both races. Enzo Celestino followed in second place in both races, with first-year MSCC Miata Spec Series racer John Bornilla securing third.
Top 10 Overall Driver Standings after Round 1:
- Tyson Sy (Shell Pro) – 42 points
- Juha Turalba (Shell Pro) – 27 points
- Gaby Dela Merced (Shell Pro) – 25 points
- Javier Toledo (GT Radial Sportsman) – 20 points
- Windy Imperial (B.R.M Chronographes Masters) – 16 points
- Michael Jordan (B.R.M Chronographes Masters) – 11 points
- Jean Dejardin (B.R.M Chronographes Masters) – 8 points
- Red Diwa (Shell Pro) – 6 points
- Enzo Celestino (GT Radial Sportsman) – 4 points
- Toti Turalba (B.R.M Chronographes Masters) – 4 points
Leg 2 of the MSCC Miata Spec Series is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, at the Clark International Speedway. The current overall standings are led by Tyson Sy, followed by Juha Turalba, Gaby Dela Merced, and Javier Toledo.
The MSCC Miata Spec Series race cars are based on showroom-standard Mazda MX-5 Soft Top units, equipped with the stock Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive manual transmission. Modifications include a stiffer platform with a Mazdaspeed upper stress bar, enhanced suspension with CUSCO Sport S 24-way adjustable coil overs and sway bars, GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires, and upgraded brakes with AutoExe stainless steel braided hose lines and Winmax brake pads. Additional features include a custom stainless steel exhaust system, Sparco racing components, and new front and rear tow straps for easier recovery.
Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines, praised the event: “The weather didn’t dampen the spirit of everyone at the Batangas Racing Circuit. This is definitely club racing at its best. When the lights go out, the competition is intense, but it’s also camaraderie at every level.”
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