Mazda MX-5 Miata triumphs in 2024 Petron Makabayan Endurance Cup opener
In a thrilling display of speed and endurance, the Mazda MX-5, represented by Team MSCC Mazda Miata, dominated the 2024 Petron Makabayan Endurance Cup opener held last April 14 in the Philippines. The #55 Team MSCC Mazda Miata race car, piloted by a roster of talented racing veterans including Angie King, Tyson Sy, and Juha Turalba, showcased its prowess by setting a new lap record and clinching victories in both the four-hour and two-hour Endurance Cup races.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
The Mazda Miata completed an impressive 114 laps in the four-hour race, establishing a new lap record at the 3.7-kilometer Batangas Racing Circuit. In the two-hour race, the same car completed 60 laps, securing a remarkable victory. This double triumph marked the first time Team MSCC Mazda Miata had clinched victories in both endurance races, highlighting the exceptional performance and reliability of the Mazda MX-5 as a racing platform.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Despite competing against purpose-built race cars with more power, the Mazda MX-5 showcased its nimble handling and perfectly balanced 50/50 weight distribution, allowing the drivers to push it to its limits. Angie King, Tyson Sy, and Juha Turalba demonstrated their skill and determination, overcoming the MX-5’s power deficit and building significant leads in both races.
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“This is the first time Team MSCC Mazda Miata has won both the two- and four-hour endurance races back-to-back,” shared Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines. “Traits such as reliability and fuel efficiency, which are advantageous during longer endurance races, proved to be assets in this shorter format as well. Coupled with our quick and skilled driving team, it resulted in a remarkable victory.”
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Team MSCC Mazda Miata, supported by Mazda Philippines, utilized a nearly identical setup to the one-make MSCC Miata Spec Series race car, with minor adjustments to the suspension and chassis for endurance racing. Remarkably, the car’s powertrain, including its 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine and 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive manual transmission, remained stock, underscoring the unbeatable combination of performance, reliability, and durability of the Mazda MX-5.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
The Mazda MX-5 also continued to impress with its eye-catching “Imagine” livery, which exudes power, motion, and energy. The race car’s number, #55, pays homage to the iconic Mazda 787B, which secured victory at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Shell V-Power and Shell Helix Ultra lubricants were utilized to optimize the Mazda MX-5’s power and fuel efficiency during the races. This year’s triumph at the Kagitingan Cup adds to the Mazda MX-5’s impressive track record in endurance racing, including victories at previous events such as the 8-hour Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge in 2022, the 8-Oras ng Pilipinas and 12-Hour Kalayaan Cup in 2019, and the 12-Hour Kalayaan Cup in 2021.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Despite facing formidable competition, the Mazda MX-5 once again proved its mettle on the track, solidifying its status as a formidable force in endurance racing. With its winning combination of performance, reliability, and agility, the Mazda MX-5 continues to set the pace in motorsport competitions.
