Team MSCC Mazda Miata MX-5 Clinches First Place in Open A Category at 2024 Kalayaan Cup
In a thrilling display of endurance and skill, the #55 Team MSCC Mazda Miata MX-5 race car crossed the checkered flag to secure first place in the Open A category at the 2024 Kalayaan Cup. The MX-5 completed 250 laps of the 4.189-kilometer Clark International Speedway circuit, not only clinching the class victory but also securing the Fastest Lap with a time of 2:10.687. Overcoming challenging race conditions, including a dramatic last-lap overtake, the team showcased exceptional resilience and determination.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Related: Mazda MX-5 Miata triumphs in 2024 Petron Makabayan Endurance Cup opener
Powered by a stock 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine and a 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive manual transmission, the team focused on optimizing the car’s weight for the grueling 12-hour race. Under the strategic guidance of Team Manager Edgen, the five experienced drivers—Angie King, Tyson Sy, Juha Turalba, Windy Imperial, and Mazda Motorsports’ Takahiro Kobayakawa—executed a well-crafted plan to maximize the car’s performance.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Despite qualifying in P2, the MX-5 lost two positions at the start due to the Clark International Speedway’s long start-finish straight favoring faster cars. However, by Lap 3, with Tyson Sy behind the wheel, the MX-5 reclaimed the lead as its tires reached optimal operating temperature.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
“The performance of the MX-5 this year exceeded our expectations,” said Angie King. “We think we have already reached the optimal efficiency of what this car offers as a racing platform.”
Photo: Mazda Philippines
At the 4.5-hour mark, the team faced a significant setback with a gearbox fault, causing the MX-5 to lose several gears and dramatically reducing its race pace. Juha Turalba skillfully managed to bring the car back to the pits, where mechanics, led by Dy-liacco, replaced the entire gearbox in under two hours. By the time the MX-5 returned to the track, it was nearly 40 laps behind the race leaders and in last place.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Undeterred, the drivers utilized the MX-5’s nimble handling and balanced chassis to steadily claw their way back. By the 10-hour mark, the team had reduced the lap difference to 25. As the race leaders encountered their own mechanical issues, Team MSCC Mazda Miata climbed to 7th place overall by the 11.5-hour mark, just 21 laps behind the leaders and two laps down from their main rival in the Open A Class.
Photo: Mazda Philippines
In the final hour, the team continued to close the gap, and with one lap remaining, Tyson Sy made a dramatic overtake at the Acacia Corner to secure the class win. “Mechanical issues happen in racing,” remarked Sy. “The team decided that for as long as we have the parts, we’ll continue. At this point, our mindset was simply never to give up.”
Photo: Mazda Philippines
Photo: Mazda Philippines
“Every race, we treat winning as the ultimate reward, and thanks to everyone’s efforts—the drivers, the mechanics, everyone—our class victory at the 2024 Kalayaan Cup 12-hour Endurance Race is much sweeter,” said Steven Tan. “We faced hardships in achieving our result this year, but it’s all part of Mazda’s ‘Never Stop Challenging Spirit.’ I’m so proud of what Team MSCC Mazda Miata has achieved.”
Photo: Mazda Philippines
This victory builds on Team MSCC Mazda Miata’s recent successes, including overall wins at the Kagitingan Cup and victories in previous endurance races, solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in endurance racing.
