MSCC Mazda bags class wins at 2023 Kagitingan Cup endurance race

The Mazda MX-5 once again proves its worth as a race-winning vehicle on the recently held Petron 4-hour Kagitingan Cup endurance race at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

Racing veterans Tyson Sy, Angie King and Windy Imperial took top honors for the #55 Team MSCC Mazda Miata in the Class 1 and Open A categories. Despite the tricky weather conditions, the team completed 89 laps of the 4-hour race, and had a best time of 1:56.054. Also, the trio finished second overall for the 2-hour race.

Backed by Mazda Philippines, the MX-5 used by Team MSCC Mazda Miata is nearly identical to the one-make MSCC Miata Spec Series race car. Differing only with minor setup changes to the suspension and chassis for the endurance race. Meanwhile, its 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G engine and 6-speed Skyactiv-Drive manual transmission were kept stock, which proved the MX-5's race-winning performance, reliability, and durability.

Team MSCC Mazda Miata also raced the “Imagine” livery that consisted of contrasting colors to exude a sense of power, motion, and energy. The team chose #55 to pay homage to the Mazda 787B that won the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Mazda MX-5’s 4-hour victory at the 2023 Kagitingan Cup is the latest endurance race win for the sports car. Last year, it managed to take the overall victory at the 8-hour Makabayan Endurance Race Challenge. It won the 8-Oras ng Pilipinas and 12-Hour Kalayaan Cup in 2019, and the 12-Hour Kalayaan Cup in 2021.

“It is no surprise that the Mazda MX-5 is the most-raced car in the world. Its performance at the 4-hour Kagitingan Cup proves not just the outright capability of the sportscar, but its reliability and durability as well,” said Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines.