Twenty race-prepped Mazda MX-5s took to the track as the inaugural season of the MSCC Mazda Miata Spec Series went underway at the Clark International Speedway.
A passion project for Mazda Philippines and the Manila Sports Car Club (MSCC), the 4.189-kilometer track at the Clark Freeport Zone turned into a venerable temple dedicated to the most raced car in the world: the MX-5.
In the United States alone, more than 2,500 MX-5 are currently running through various motorsports disciplines from track to gymkhanas. It’s truly all about grassroots racing all with the single goal of celebrating driving.
All MSCC Miata Spec Series cars are identical. They race using a showroom stock 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine mated to a 6-speed Skyactiv manual transmission. In order to extract even more grip, the suspension components have been upgraded and reinforced with CUSCO sports coil overs 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 181-horsepower mill. While 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 cars also come fitted with GT Radial Champiro SX2 tires mounted on custom 17 x 8.0 J Rota Strike wheels.
Since all the spec series cars are identical, it proves to be a real test of driving skill.
Work on the Miata Spec Series started way back in 2018. At the time, Mazda Philippines explored the possibility of coming up with their own one-make racing series, where they would supply identical MX-5s and a third party would organize the races alongside the Miata Cup. When the pandemic struck in 2020, the entire program was put on pause.
In 2021, organization of the racing series took on a different flavor when the MSCC came in. Wanting a racing series to call their own, the MSCC partnered with Mazda Philippines to come up with what’s to become the Miata Spec Series.
The MSCC Miata Spec Series is sponsored by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation, GT Radial tires, and Rota Wheels. With Round 1 done and dusted, the remaining race dates are scheduled for August 27th, October 22nd, and November 26th. All races will be held at the Clark International Speedway.
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