Berjaya Auto Philippines (BAP), the exclusive distributor of Mazda vehicles in the country, is strengthening the championship bid of the multiawarded touring car race driver Edwin Rodriguez as he competes again in Division 3 (100-HP class) of the 2015 Philippine GT and PTCC series.
Rodriguez will drive a race-prepared all-new 2015 SkyActiv Mazda2 hatchback in the two premier circuit racing championships in the country.
The reigning Division 3 champion will rely on the new model’s powerful and efficient SkyActiv chassis, powertrain and suspension technologies to ensure a competitive 2015 campaign.
“Mazda has always been about the thrill of driving and our support of Philippine motorsports allows us to communicate our passion more effectively,” said Steven Tan, president and CEO of BAP and Mazda Philippines.
He added: “We found in Edwin that pure desire to compete even when the odds are stacked against him, as we saw last year when he drove the outgoing Mazda2 to the championship. This year, timed with the release of the all-new SkyActiv Mazda2, we believe Edwin can challenge with more confidence and consistency for the overall touring car championship title.”
“I really feel blessed to have such good people behind me,” Rodriguez said. “Finally, after so many years, a car manufacturer is again supporting a local racer. It was just my wish that someday a car manufacturer would be backing my racing career. With the support of Mazda Philippines and with a great new race car for the 2015 season, my wish has come true. A big, big thanks to Steven and Mazda Philippines for the trust and confidence in me and my team.”
Mazda Philippines is race-preparing one SkyActiv Mazda2 hatchback variant with manual transmission for Rodriguez. The 2013 Philippine GT Division overall champion, 2013 PTCC division second runner-up and 2014 Philippine GT and PTCC division overall champion will compete in a class with a 100-HP power cap. “I still consider us the underdog with the limited aftermarket parts for the all-new SkyActiv Mazda2 race car,” Rodriguez said. “But now, with a more powerful engine, we will surely give everyone in the division a great battle.”
And given his penchant for come-from-behind victories, the Mazda-backed racer is set to deliver exciting racing action throughout the year.
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