MANILA: The Mazda MX-5 race car of Team MSCC Mazda Miata has dominated the recently concluded 2024 Petron Makabayan Endurance Cup.

According to Mazda Philippines, the said entry won both the four-hour endurance race where it completed 114 laps; and the two-hour endurance heat where it finished 60 laps. This — the local arm of the Japanese carmaker pointed out — is the first time Team MSCC Mazda Miata won both endurance battles.

“This is the first time Team MSCC Mazda Miata has won both the two- and four-hour endurance races back-to-back,” Mazda Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Tan stated.

Minor modifications

The fielded #55 Mazda MX-5 by Team MSCC Mazda Miata uses stock components with only minor changes applied to its suspension and chassis.

On that note, it is nearly identical to the one-make MSCC Miata Spec Series race car. It packs a 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine and six-speed Skyactiv-Drive manual transmission that puts out 181 horses and 205 Newton-meters of torque.

It used Shell V-Power and Shell Helix Ultra lubricants to help optimize its power and fuel efficiency.

Out of the factory, the Mazda MX-5 also offers nimble handling and a perfectly balanced 50/50 weight distribution.

That said, the Mazda MX-5 has proven yet again the unbeatable combination of performance, reliability, and durability offered by the sportscar.

“Short races are often more challenging for the #55 MX-5 with its stock engine and transmission. But traits that worked to our advantage during longer endurance races like reliability and fuel efficiency also proved to be a great asset this time. That, and our quick and skilled driving team as well,” Tan added.

Driving the #55 Mazda MX-5 to victory was Team MSCC Mazda Miata’s roster of racing veterans, namely Angie King, Tyson Sy, and Juha Turalba.

Team MSCC Mazda Miata is backed by Mazda Philippines, with a support team led by Edgen Dy-Liacco.

Previous accolades

Prior to the Mazda MX-5’s win at the four-hour and two-hour endurance races at the 2024 Petron Makabayan Endurance Cup, it took the 4-hour Kagitingan Cup last year.

Further, the Mazda MX-5 managed to take the overall victory at the eight-hour Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge. It also won the 8-Oras ng Pilipinas and 12-Hour Kalayaan Cup in 2019, and the 12-Hour Kalayaan Cup in 2021.

Photos from Mazda Philippines

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