ENEOS on the Road: WORKS Motorsports at Sonoma Raceway
ENEOS continues its On the Road video series by visiting one of Northern California’s most well-known performance shops: Works Motorsports, located at Sonoma Raceway. Hosted by longtime ENEOS partner, Sonoma Raceway and DEVSpeed shop manager, and professional Formula DRIFT driver Faruk Kugay, this episode takes a closer look at Works’ philosophy, its history, and its deep ties to the tuner community in this interview with shop manager Jeffrey Gibeaut.
For Faruk, this visit is personal. Years before becoming an accomplished Formula Drift driver and industry ambassador, he worked at Works Motorsports and learned about ENEOS products there for the first time. That early connection continues today, making this stop in the series more than just a shop tour—it’s a homecoming.
A Pioneer at Sonoma Raceway
Works Motorsports was one of the first major shops to establish itself at Sonoma Raceway. Founded in 2003 by Pete Kang, Works initially operated in San Francisco before moving to Sonoma in 2006. The shop quickly earned a reputation as a trusted name in performance tuning, particularly with Mitsubishi Evolution (“Evo”) platforms, before expanding into Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and Toyota GR86 builds.
As Jeff explains in the video, Works has always operated under an OEM-plus philosophy. That means they prioritize reliability and drivability over chasing extreme horsepower numbers. Instead of building 700–800 horsepower Evos, they focus on well-rounded performance—topping out around 500 horsepower—and always emphasize using OEM parts and factory fluids whenever possible. ENEOS lubricants are a key part of that equation, chosen for both reliability and performance.
More Than Just a Performance Shop
What sets Works apart is its multi-dimensional approach to the automotive aftermarket:
- Performance Tuning – Works is known for dyno-tuning both street and race cars, ensuring customers get safe, reliable gains.
- Track Support – With its location at Sonoma Raceway, Works regularly supports cars at the track, whether for competition or high-performance driving events.
- Parts Manufacturing – Beyond service, the shop designs and manufactures its own products. This includes being one of the only companies to offer CARB-legal turbo kits for the BRZ/FR-S platform—a rare achievement in California’s strict regulatory environment. The team is currently developing a CARB-legal kit for the GR86.
By combining these services, Works has positioned itself not only as a trusted shop, but also as an innovator in the tuner space.
The OEM-Plus Future
In the conversation with Faruk, Jeff highlights where he sees the industry headed. With electrification increasing, the aftermarket will inevitably evolve, but he predicts strong demand for OEM-plus builds. Vehicles like Evos, BRZs, and other modern Japanese performance cars are rapidly becoming collectible, with enthusiasts wanting to keep them period-correct yet refined. That means carefully selected upgrades, attention to detail, and reliable parts and fluids—values that align perfectly with ENEOS’ commitment to high-quality lubricants. ENEOS 5W-30 continues to be an excellent choice for many of those vehicles.
As Jeff explains, the future may include EVs, but combustion cars will continue to be cherished, almost like “modern classics.” Shops like Works, which focus on quality over extremes, will be at the center of maintaining these vehicles for years to come.
ENEOS on the Road: Connecting with the Industry
The ENEOS on the Road video series is designed to spotlight shops and enthusiasts who embody the same values as ENEOS: quality, reliability, and passion for performance. By featuring voices like Jeff and shops like Works Motorsports, the series not only builds awareness for ENEOS products but also fosters credibility among professionals who share these philosophies.
For Faruk, revisiting Works underscores just how influential the shop has been—not only in shaping his own career, but also in introducing him to ENEOS products. That lasting connection highlights the way ENEOS supports the automotive community at every level, from grassroots shops to professional motorsports.
As Jeff explains, the future may include EVs, but combustion cars will continue to be cherished, almost like “modern classics.” Shops like Works, which focus on quality over extremes, will be at the center of maintaining these vehicles for years to come.
Watch the Video
Catch the full conversation with Faruk and Works Motorsports in the video above, filmed at Sonoma Raceway. You’ll get a firsthand look at their approach to tuning, product development, and what the future of performance looks like in Northern California and beyond.
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