Co-presented by Mazda Philippines, the Motorsport Development Program (MSDP) is now on its 5th year of nurturing future racing champions in the country. As always, it’ll have a calendar full of modules and gymkhana events lined up, visiting venues in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The AAP’s grassroots motorsports training program puts aspiring young drivers through a 9-course module. Topics include driving technique, safety, vehicle dynamics, physical and mental fitness, and race car preparation just to name a few. Each one then consists of a classroom lecture and practical hands-on training taught by none other than 10-time National Rally Champion Vip Isada and his team of experienced instructors.
Novice drivers are more than welcome to enroll. No prior racing experience required.
“What started as a small program several years ago, the MSDP has now become the ‘go-to course’ where new students learn race craft and where more experienced drivers assess and confirm their abilities. We’d like to thank the FIA and AAP for continuing and placing their full backing on the MSDP. Mazda’s endless support has also helped so many aspiring racers and allowed our students to celebrate the joy of driving,” said Ivan Isada, Senior MSDP Instructor.
Mazda Philippines is once again deploying a fleet of Mazda 2 SkyActiv school cars for the MSDP. With its Jinba Ittai philosophy, the brand aims to demonstrate how its vehicles can aid in the development of advanced driving techniques.
The MSDP will host 25 classes in Metro Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, and the newest addition to the calendar, Zamboanga.
Scheduled alongside the training modules in 2-day weekends is the MSDP Gymkhana Series. Now on its 3rd season, it will have 4 legs per region where the top drivers per stop earns an invite to the National Gymkhana Finals in Manila at the end of the year. There they will face off using the program’s Mazda 2 SkyActiv school cars to see who’s the fastest driver in the Philippines.
There will be 24 legs nationwide, plus the National Gymkhana Finals, for a total of 25 events in 2019.
Registration for the MSDP modules is FREE for drivers aged 15 to 19 years old. They’ll be needing a valid Philippine Driver’s License, letter of consent from their parent/guardian, and signed and notarized wavier to join. The events are also open to more senior participants for a minimal fee of P2,500.
Click the link for the full AAP Motorsport Development Program 2019 Calendar.
For more details, visit the AAP Motorsport Development Program Facebook page or contact Ivan Isada at motorsportdevelopmentprogram@gmail.com.
