Team MSCC Mazda Miata Spec starts strong in Makabayan Endurance Challenge of 2025 Kagitingan Cup

The 2025 Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge kicked off with a strong showing from Team MSCC Mazda Miata Spec at Batangas Racing Circuit (BRC), which swept the 2-hour and 4-hour Race categories of the Kagitingan Cup—the first leg of the three-round series.

Led by Angie Mead King, the #55 MSCC Miata Spec car was built and tuned specifically for endurance racing. The car retained its stock 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine but underwent significant performance and weight-reduction modifications. These included a lightweight carbon fiber body kit, Brembo front brakes, Cusco suspension components, an HGT 6-speed sequential gearbox, a new rear-end differential, and race-grade tires.

In the 2-hour Race, the Miata completed 63 laps and clocked a fastest lap time of 1:49.8. In the 4-hour Race, it finished 120 laps, with a best time of 1:53.7. During qualifying, King recorded a 1:47.969 lap—one of the team’s fastest to date, achieved with minimal preparation time.

“The goal this year was to improve on last year’s performance. We wanted a faster car and a more efficient team,” King said. She noted that the new body kit and gearbox contributed to a 4.5-second improvement over previous lap times.

Despite challenges leading up to race day, the team pushed through, reflecting Mazda’s “Never Stop Challenging” spirit. King acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the build. Contributions came from Mazda Philippines, MSCC team principals Windy Imperial and Steven Tan, race engineer Edgen Dy-Liacco, and drivers Tyson Sy, Juha Turalba, and Milo Rivera. Mazda Japan’s motorsport head, Takahiro Kobayakawa, also provided input.

“It takes a team to get to this level. I couldn’t have done it alone,” said King. “Endurance racing is a team sport, and that’s why I love it.”

Looking ahead, Team MSCC Miata Spec plans additional upgrades ahead of the next rounds, scheduled for June 14–15 and November 29–30, 2025, at Clark International Speedway. King expressed confidence in further improvements: “We’re working on fine-tuning the car and unlocking more speed.”