ENEOS on the Road: Inside a Legendary Sonoma Raceway Tuning Shop
If you’re into modifying cars—or even just thinking about your first upgrade—there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Works Motorsports. Located right at Sonoma Raceway in Northern California, this shop has been a go-to destination for enthusiasts who want more performance without sacrificing reliability.
In this episode of ENEOS on the Road, Formula DRIFT driver and ENEOS Ambassador Faruk Kugay visits Works for a behind-the-scenes look—and for him, it’s a full-circle moment.
A Shop That Helped Shape a Career
Before Faruk was competing professionally, he actually worked at Works Motorsports. It’s where he first got hands-on experience with performance tuning—and where he was introduced to ENEOS products.
Coming back years later isn’t just another shop visit—it’s a reminder of how influential the right environment (and the right products) can be when you’re getting started in the car scene.
What Makes Works Motorsports Different?
Founded in 2003, Works built its reputation on Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution tuning before expanding into platforms like the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota GR86.
But what really sets them apart is their philosophy:
“We work on bumper-to-bumper repairs — anything from engines and transmissions to suspension, brakes, and electrical. We’re an all-around shop.”
That dedication to being a complete service center makes West El Cajon Automotive & Transmission a convenient, go-to destination for drivers who want everything handled under one roof.
Pride in Every Repair
More than anything, the team takes pride in doing the job right — every time.
“We take pride in our work,” Ken shared. “When people leave, we know it’s going to be fixed right — and it’s going to be fixed right the first time.”
That attention to detail and emphasis on quality workmanship aligns perfectly with ENEOS’ mission to deliver high-performance lubricants engineered for precision, protection, and reliability.
More Than Just a Tuning Shop
Works isn’t just bolting on parts—they’re deeply involved in every aspect of the enthusiast experience:
- Dyno tuning: Making sure your upgrades are safe and optimized
- Track support: Helping drivers get the most out of their cars at Sonoma Raceway
- Product development: Designing their own parts
One standout example? They offer CARB-legal turbo kits for BRZ/FR-S platforms—meaning you can add power and stay emissions-compliant in California (which is no small feat).
What This Means for DIY Builders
If you’re working on your own car, here are a few lessons from Works Motorsports you can apply right away:
- Start with a clear goal (daily driver vs. track car)
- Focus on reliability before chasing big numbers
- Use high-quality fluids and components
- Think “OEM-plus” for the best long-term results
Even simple upgrades—like switching to a high-quality motor oil, such as ENEOS 5W-30—can make a noticeable difference in engine protection and performance.
The Future of Performance Cars
With EVs becoming more common, you might wonder where gas-powered tuner cars fit in.
According to Works, cars like the Evo, BRZ, and GR86 are quickly becoming modern classics. That means:
- Clean, well-built examples will be more valuable
- Thoughtful modifications will matter more than ever
- Maintenance and quality parts will be key
In other words, the DIY community isn’t going anywhere—it’s just evolving.
Watch the Full Episode
Want to see how a professional shop approaches builds, tuning, and product development?
Check out the full video with Faruk Kugay and Works Motorsports at Sonoma Raceway for a closer look at how performance is done right.