Tapping into 30 years of Jinba-ittai spirit, Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Mazda formally announces the one-make Miata Spec Series featuring the 2019 MX-5 sportscar. Organized and run by veteran racer Allan Uy and RaceGAS Dynamics, the inaugural season starts in May of next year.
Unlike the MX-5 Global Cup which uses a race track-only version of the open-top roadster, the local Miata Spec Series uses fully road legal fourth-generation MX-5s that can be driven to and from the track. The series aims to promote gentleman driving etiquette, sportsmanship, and positive racing values while using the most raced car in the world: the MX-5.
All Miata Spec Series cars will have common specifications to ensure parity in performance. Based on the 2019 MX-5 soft top equipped with a 6-speed manual, the Spec Series cars uses Cusco Street Coilovers, Cusco front & rear sway bars, and a Cusco Power Brace. Standard Concept One wheels (17 x 7.5) and Nitto NT555 G2 tires measuring 215/45 R 17 complete the handling package.
Opening the hood, a Mazdaspeed Strut tower brace is visible, and yet, the engine and drivetrain are kept in showroom stock condition. That said, the Miata Spec Series cars sport a custom exhaust for a livelier note on the racetrack as well as steel-braided brake lines for more consistent stopping power.
For on-track safety, a custom six-point roll cage and driver’s foot plate is fitted as standard. Meanwhile, the OE steering wheel, seats, and safety belts are swapped for Sparco ones. A Sparco kill switch and tow harness round up the safety package.
Organizer RaceGAS Dynamics is targeting to run the entire inaugural season at the Clark International Speedway (likely coinciding with the Miata Cup). It will be a 4-round championship with 12 laps per round. For the inaugural season, there will be a minimum grid of 9 cars.
For those interested in taking their racing to the next level, the MX-5 Miata Spec Series race car can now be ordered. The turnkey price is P 2.5-Million and this includes a racing suit, gloves, shoes, and all the MX-5’s stock parts (helmet and HANS device not included).
Present owners of the 2019 MX-5 soft top can also convert their cars to take part in the Miata Spec Series, including those equipped with the 6-speed automatic. If this route is preferred, the organizers will have to send a technical team to give the car a check to make sure it still adheres to all series rules and specifications.
With more than 2,500 MX-5s hitting the race track every weekend around the world, it truly is a global icon, especially in grassroots motorsports. The announcement of the Miata Spec Series for the Philippines will hopefully elevate motorsports to a new level—one that satisfies Mazda’s challenger sprit, and one that keeps drivers always inspired to take the wheel.
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