Mazda Philippines debuts driver development program at Kalayaan Cup race

The second leg of the 2025 Petron Makabayan Endurance Race proved once again that motorsport is more than just speed; it’s a craft that demands endurance and strategy. Elite racers Angie Mead King and Windy Imperial showed what it truly takes to compete at the highest level. At the same time, the Mazda Driver Development Program was launched with the goal of developing the growth of young, high-potential drivers.

Leading the charge was the #55 MSCC Mazda Miata, driven by Angie King, which dominated both the six-hour and twelve-hour endurance races. During the grueling 12-hour Kalayaan Cup, the Miata completed an impressive 293 laps of the 4.2-kilometer Clark International Speedway, posting a fastest lap time of 2 minutes and 7.255 seconds, finishing with a commanding five-lap lead over the second-place car.

To get an edge in the race, the #55 MSCC Miata features an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber body kit, Brembo front brakes, Cusco suspension components, a HGT six-speed sequential gearbox, an upgraded rear differential, and race-grade performance tires.

While few modifications were made between the first and second legs, key updates contributed to its improved performance. The introduction of a quick fuel system slashed refueling time for 20 liters of fuel from 29 seconds to just 19. The team also opted for stickier tires, striking a perfect balance between grip and efficiency over the long haul.

Reflecting on lessons from the first leg in June, driver Angie recognized the need for quicker lap times and a more strategic approach. For this round, the team expanded its driver lineup from four to five, now composed of Angie, Juha Turalba, Matt Solomon, Milo Rivera, and Tyson Sy, each selected for their ability to push the car and the team to new heights.

“We followed the strategy, as always – to push on the first race, preserve the car in the middle rounds, then push again on the last race,” shared Angie Mead King. That strategic teamwork became even more vital when Angie unexpectedly experienced a bout of vertigo mid-race, forcing her to urgently pit and hand over the car to the next driver.

For Windy Imperial, leading Bermaz Team 09 was a point of pride, particularly as their #09 entry marked the first modified MSCC Miata Spec car fielded under the newly established MSCC Mazda Driver Development Program. Originally built for 30-minute sprint races, the car had to be specially adapted for the endurance-focused Makabayan Cup.

“The Mazda MX-5 is an amazing sports car, given its capability to be so competitive, even with very little modification to the road car version,” said Windy. He credits the car’s strong performance to five critical upgrades: Winmax brake pads, front brake cooling ducts, Cusco racing suspension, Concept One wheels, and GT Radial SX-R tires.

The MSCC Mazda Driver Development Program was created by Windy Imperial in collaboration with Mazda Philippines, stemming from the idea to build a second car for the Endurance Cup with the same spec as the MSCC Mazda Spec Miata Race Series. “The goal is to fast-track the growth of young, high-potential MSCC drivers and expose them to the rigorous demands of endurance racing,” Windy explained.

Windy takes his role as mentor seriously. Every member of the Bermaz Team 09 was carefully selected based on skill and promise. The lineup includes Javier Toledo, reigning champion of the MSCC Mazda Miata Sportsman Category; 18-year-old Jeff Balao, a rising star who began circuit racing just a year ago; and Lawrence ‘Enzo’ Celestino, a Season 1 MSCC Spec Series driver with consistent podium finishes.

Windy emphasized that endurance racing demands more than raw speed; it requires focus, discipline, and maturity. “These races tested their mental stamina and racecraft, and I’m proud to say they all drove absolutely flawlessly — no mistakes, no incidents.”

In their debut appearance at the six- and twelve-hour Kalayaan Cup, Bermaz Team 09 delivered a strong performance, securing second runner-up. They completed 279 laps, just 14 laps behind the dominant #55 car, and posted a best lap time of 2 minutes and 15.141 seconds.

If you want to get started on racing at the track yourself, the Mazda MX-5 is a great car to hone your skills in. Check it out on AutoDeal.com.ph.