Written by Anson Hsu
Photography by James Soriano, Ani

Representative: Jeff "Kiwi" Owen
Company Website: Special Projects
Location: Orange, CA

Every car enthusiast should have a local shop where he/she can find friendly conversation, professional advice, a welcoming environment, and dependable automotive work.  It’s a Honda-Head’s home away from home; the enthusiast’s refuge. 

Wired on Honda™ has recently become aware of one of the most hardcore tuning shops in California: Special Projects Motor Sports.  Thanks to owner Jeff “Kiwi” Owen, Special Projects has the expertise of over 30 years of road-race experience, along with the warmth and friendliness of any enthusiast refuge.

It’s not a huge shop, and there is really nothing flashy about it.  Special Projects is not a place that you would stumble across or stop by out of curiosity during your daily commute.  But, take one step into the shop and you will understand, instantly, what I mean when I say that appearances can be, and in this case most definitely are, deceiving.

Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that this is not a place for show.  I have met with Owen on a few occasions, and not once has he shown me a Special Projects car with 12” sub-woofers or custom LCD enclosures.  In fact, not once has he shown me a Special Projects car with any interior comforts at all.  Special Projects Motor Sports builds cars for road-race, and builds them well.

Owen’s experience as a road-race driver began in New Zealand at the age of 18.  He has a passion for racing, and continues to drive in NASA and SCCA events.  His love for Honda didn’t begin until 1990, when he imported his first Honda (Mugen CRX) to New Zealand after a private tour of Mugen’s facilities.  He’s been tuning Honda’s ever since, and hasn’t looked back. 

It may be hard for some of you to trust a business owner based on his/her experience.  In this case, you don’t need to rely on my word or his.  I recently had the opportunity to see Owen drive the Roval (part road-course, part oval) in an Integra Type-R, powered by a K-20a, at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.  The parts sold by Special Projects are parts that are used on his car. 

Currently, Special Projects is making and distributing custom splitter and air-dam kits and offer WPC metal treatment and trackside support.  They are also distributors of a wide array of performance parts.  Special Projects Motor Sports’ products and services are rooted in Owen’s experience as a driver. 

His products are track-tested and designed with the driver’s experience in mind.  According to Owen, Special Projects is a way for him to give back to the racing community.  He is passing his knowledge and experience of racing and industry to the next generation of racers. 

More information on Special Projects Motorsports can be found on their website at http://specialprojectsms.com

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