2017 Mazda Miata Cup Season Is Officially On

The 2017 Mazda Miata Cup is officially on as the private race series organized by the Miata Club Philippines (MCP) for its members was flagged off last May 12 at the Clark International Speedway.

Supported by Mazda Philippines, the race series is now on its ninth year of giving club members the opportunity to drive their cars in a race environment and experience the Mazda MX-5's rewned handling and driving characteristics in the safe and controlled environment of a race track.

"The Miata Cup has always provided a gentleman-racing experience where members can compete with one another on the track while improving their own driving skills at the same time," said MCP President Bob Briddon. "For members who are into modifying their cars, the friendly competition in the Miata Cup drives an attitude of constant improvement via engine and suspension modifications. But most importantly, the Miata Cup races provides the club members the means to express themselves while enjoying the strong camaraderie prevailing in the club."

For the past three years, the Mazda Miata Cup has run five different classes based on the participants’ actual lap times around the track. This ensures minimal cost for competing in the event while, at the same time, leveling the playing field by grouping racers together according to their actual timed performance on the track. The Mazda Miata Cup is run in conjunction with the Clubman Racing Series event. Succeeding rounds this year will be held on July 16 and October 15 at the Batangas Racing Circuit, then back again to the Clark International Speedway on November 19.

"The Miata Cup is the ideal venue to feel Mazda's Jinba Ittai, or the horse and rider as one, driving philosophy," shared Steven Tan, president and CEO of Bermaz Auto Philippines, the exclusive distributors of Mazda vehicles in the country. "Because of the unique experience Miata Cup participants have with their cars in running this event, their affinity with their MX-5s is further strengthened. This emotional bond is the driving force behind the brand and is the reason why Mazda makes cars that drive the way they do."