Now on its 6th year, the AAP’s Motorsport Development Program (MSDP) continues its thrust to develop future racing talents nationwide. It returns in 2020 with over 50 events on schedule which consists of training modules and gymkhana events held all over the Philippines.
The MSDP is enjoying the strong support from Mazda Philippines who has once again partnered with the program. A total of 6 brand new Mazda 2 SkyActiv sedans were provided last year, which are still continuously used as school cars to instruct students of the program. Fittingly, these up-and-coming drivers will also be able to sample Mazda’s G-Vectoring and SkyActiv engine technologies as they learn the fundamentals of driving.
As always, the AAP’s grassroots motorsports training program puts racing hopefuls through 9 modules with topics covering driving technique, safety, vehicle dynamics, physical and mental fitness, and race car preparation. It’s a combination of classroom lecture and practical hands-on training sessions facilitated by the legendary 10-time national Rally Champion Vip Isada and his team of experienced instructors.
New for 2020 are the addition of special modules focused on motorsport disciplines such as rally and gymkhana. This is to help the country’s best drivers better prepare for international events. The MSDP National Gymkhana Championship also returns for a 4th season where drivers from all over the Philippines vie to become the top Gymkhana driver of the country.
The MSDP is open to all aspiring drivers with or without prior racing experience. Modules are FREE for students aged 15 to 19-years-old as long as they have a valid Philippine Driver’s License, letter of consent from a parent/guardian, and a signed waiver form. It’s also open to more senior participants for a minimal fee.
A total of 27 MSDP Modules are confirmed so far, with 25 MSDP Gymkhana events, plus the MSDP National Gymkhana Championship at the end of the year. Venues will include Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, Zamboanga, and new locations Bohol and General Santos.
“We’re excited to continue with the MSDP made possible with the generous and continuous support of Mazda Philippines and the AAP. Our efforts have allowed graduates like Mark Bernales to shine in international events, while the program has also received a nod from the FIA for its relevance and impact. This year, we’ve tailored new lessons specifically for drivers who want to step up the motorsport ladder as well as for volunteers who can help improve and run the program. We believe that there’s still a lot talent yet to be discovered in the country and we’re glad to have the opportunity to develop future Filipino champions,” said Ivan Isada, AAP Motorsports Head.
For more details, Like the AAP Motorsport Development Program page on Facebook.
