In mid-2022, I began obsessing over working on and servicing supercars. We sponsored a well-known group in Phoenix called PHXDRIVEN, a social group of supercar and hypercar owners that hosted get-togethers and rallies.
With e-commerce sales roaring and the shop needing much attention with the addition of our shop technician, Alex Tillman, it was time to make a plan. Owners of these cars are always looking for a place to take them besides the dealers. In my experience, the dealer and any business are only as good as those associated with them. This is where leadership and accountability come into play. I believe some people work at places for a paycheck, and a small percentage are very passionate about what they do. The amount of money that dealerships charge should reflect not only their association with a brand, facility, overhead, and many key aspects of the business, but also EVERYTHING about the car and its associated services. I fully understand the volume and nature of the business, and that’s where WE come into the mix. We’re not looking for volume or high prices. We’re looking to build lifelong relationships with our clients, not customers. A client is someone who keeps coming back.
- We’re willing to go above the call – if there is a problem, the client is the first to know about it
- We’re willing to be fair with pricing – we understand the nature of these areas is expensive, but that does not mean a shop should milk you for every dollar. Our prices are competitive with other performance shops, the area where we are located, and our overhead.
- We are more than transparent—if a job is not worth taking, we’re okay with saying no, and if we think a job is unquotable, we give you the option to purchase blocks of time. We’re the first to contact you if we find additional issues with the vehicle.
- Most importantly, we give a shit – Our facility is as spotless as can be for a mechanical workshop. We document all customer vehicles for damages, repairs, and upgrades. We make sure to protect any vehicles that come into this facility. If a car is staying longer than usual, we make sure to cover every car. We wash, vacuum, and protect all areas of your vehicle. If something is broken, we do not ignore it; we immediately tell you. If something is an easy fix, we do it, note it, and never charge for any work that was never authorized.
Why go through any of this? Because I am unbelievably passionate about cars. I have been around cars since age 5, when the McLaren F1 came out. Reading about it in a magazine that showcased supercars at the time was awe-inspiring. From the center seat driver placement to the dihedral doors and its top-speed capabilities, it was indeed a modern wonder of automotive tech.
I remember driving my first McLaren, an MP4-12C, and thinking how cool it was to go from being a kid to driving these incredible cars. As my driver skills advanced, I got fantastic opportunities to track many McLarens, such as the 600LT and 620R. I was doing some googling, and that’s how I found Thorney Motorsport, the undisputed leader in McLaren servicing and repair. At the time, owner John had just started the program; I reached out immediately as I wanted to be a part of this. The opportunity couldn’t have been more perfect; between hiring Alex, our sponsorship with the local club, and my newfound love with McLaren, we decided to commit to becoming a Thorney Motorsport franchisee.
More than just the license to be a Thorney repair center, we needed to brush up on McLaren & Scan tool training. That meant flying over the massive Atlantic Pound and getting our butts over to Thorney Motorsports headquarters near Silverstone Circuit over in the United Kingdom. I have been to Europe a few times but never to England. Beyond being excited about becoming a dealer, I was insanely pumped to visit a new country, meet new faces, and experience an entirely different culture.
Jumping in our right-hand drive Mercedes-Benz Turo, we left Heathrow Airport and headed directly to John’s headquarters.
My first impression was “wow”. John had over 50 McLarens pending repairs; that number has doubled to over 100 McLarens in the lot awaiting repairs or pending sale—a true testament to the Thorney brand. John informed us immediately that we would install a brand new McLaren M38T V8 Power Unit (engine) in a client’s 675LT that had previously blown a conrod through the block due to an aggressive tune. A daunting task for any technician, but knowing Alex, his determination to learn was bar none. We had the engine prepped, installed, and filled with fluids in less than two days with no issues. From there, John showed us every common issue with all McLaren models. Some problems do not happen in America, as England does not have the same climate. Corrosion is a huge issue, but it is not something to worry about in America. This paragraph does not discredit the brand; we are loyal and supportive of McLaren. We think it is essential for people looking to buy used to be aware of the issues that can be present in the older models. The car is a race car for the road and must be maintained to maintain optimum performance at all times.
A side quest was added to my adventure. While Alex and John’s crew worked hard at the headquarters, I ventured to meet one of our FFP Mustang GT Twin Turbo customers. Here is some quick history: We manufactured a limited bolt-on twin turbo kit for the S550 Mustang. Ruben was only an hour from us and drove down in his right-hand drive Mustang for us to check out and have dinner with us. As a bonus, he invited me to Doington Park – a race track I’ve always dreamed of driving, to ride along with him. That is an experience I will never forget. I got to ride in a car equipped with a turbo kit that we had made over 5200 miles away, and it worked. Not only that, Ruben truly tracks his Mustang!
Back on topic, after spending a week with John and his crew, it was time to pack up and head back to Scottsdale with our newfound knowledge of these supercars. One of the key assets included in our package was our Leonardo Da Vinci Scan Tool. This extremely high-end scan tool is like a McLaren Diagnostic Scan tool, allowing us to reprogram many vehicle parameters that the dealer can do. We spent a whole day going over this scan tool. I have recently sharpened my skills with it as I have been diagnosing many electrical issues with McLarens in the shop. To wrap this up, the entire crew, including Munich Thorney, headed to the bar for good ole shop talk, beers, and happy farewells.
Here’s a bonus round of photos from my iPhone.
Fast forward to 2025, many things have changed, for the absolute good. We departed our automotive shop in Scottsdale, AZ, in December of 2022 due to an unruly neighbor who disliked cars and us. He was good friends with the State. He filed a formal complaint, which stuck with us for 7 months; the state ultimately served us an eviction notice. Working it out with the local neighbor, the state then canceled the eviction notice the day we moved out, and it was too late, as we were already moving everything out and had sold much of the equipment. It was emotionally and financially the toughest thing I’ve ever experienced, but I am a fighter. With that said, we rejoined the automotive world in August of 2024, reopening our Thorney Motorsport McLaren Shop in Thousand Oaks, CA. We are now Thorney Motorsport of Los Angeles – Powered by Function Factory Performance.
Thorney Motorsport of Los Angeles: Elevating McLaren Service in Southern California
Following our immersive training at Thorney Motorsport’s UK headquarters, we returned to the U.S. with a renewed vision and commitment to excellence. In August 2024, we proudly inaugurated Thorney Motorsport of Los Angeles, located at 49 Taylor Ct Unit B, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
As an authorized Thorney Motorsport McLaren Independent Specialist, our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and staffed by technicians trained to the highest standards. Our mission is to provide McLaren owners with a superior alternative to traditional dealership services, emphasizing transparency, personalized care, and meticulous attention to detail.
Collaborative Approach with McLaren Dealerships
Understanding the importance of maintaining your McLaren’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) warranty, we collaborate closely with official McLaren dealerships. Our services are designed to complement dealership offerings, ensuring that any work we perform aligns with warranty requirements. For components or issues not covered under the CPO warranty, we offer our own comprehensive solutions, providing you with peace of mind and continuity of care.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At Thorney Motorsport of Los Angeles, we prioritize:
- Condition-Based Servicing: Moving beyond generic service schedules, we assess each vehicle’s specific needs, ensuring that maintenance is both necessary and effective.
- Transparent Communication: We keep our clients informed at every step, providing detailed reports and consultations to ensure clarity and trust.
- Protective Measures: Every vehicle is treated with the utmost care. From protective coverings to post-service detailing, we ensure your McLaren is returned in pristine condition.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Utilizing tools like the Leonardo Da Vinci Scan Tool, we can perform in-depth diagnostics and programming, matching or exceeding dealership capabilities.
A Passion-Driven Facility
Our dedication stems from a genuine passion for McLaren vehicles and the broader automotive community. We don’t just service cars; we build lasting relationships with our clients, offering support, expertise, and a shared enthusiasm for performance and innovation.
If you’re a McLaren owner seeking unparalleled service in Southern California, we invite you to experience the Thorney Motorsport difference.
For appointments or inquiries:
- Email: Sales@FFPerformance.co
- Phone: 480-576-8606 ext. 1000
- Submit a work inquiry: https://ffperformance.co/mclaren/
Charles Siritho
Owner, Function Factory Performance
📍 49 Taylor Ct, Unit #B, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
📧 Installs@FFPerformance.co | 📞 480-576-8606
📸 @ffperformanceaz
