AMSOIL Dealer History | San Clemente, CA

Performance Specialist was founded on a simple belief: the products you choose should work as hard as you do. Owner and AMSOIL Direct Dealer Mark Horstman has spent more than 45 years working in the automotive and performance industry as an ASE-Certified Technician and master mechanic. Over the years, Mark has tested countless lubricants in real-world conditions—from daily drivers to high-performance vehicles, industrial machinery, and fleet equipment.

Through hands-on experience, one brand consistently delivered results where others fell short: AMSOIL.

That experience shaped the foundation of Performance Specialist. Today, customers trust Mark not only because of the products he offers but also because of the insight and honesty behind every recommendation.

The story of AMSOIL begins long before synthetic motor oils became mainstream. In the early 1960s, Lieutenant Colonel Albert J. Amatuzio, a jet fighter squadron commander, witnessed firsthand how synthetic lubricants were used exclusively in jet engines. These oils weren’t chosen by chance—they were essential for reducing friction, operating under extreme temperatures, and enduring long, demanding engine cycles without breaking down.

Recognizing the potential benefits for combustion engines, Amatuzio began researching and developing synthetic lubricants for automotive use. His work led to a major industry breakthrough in 1972, when AMSOIL became the first synthetic motor oil in the world to meet American Petroleum Institute (API) service requirements.

That milestone changed the industry forever.

At a time when conventional petroleum oils dominated the market, AMSOIL set new standards for engine protection, longevity, and performance. It quickly became clear that synthetic lubrication wasn’t just an alternative—it was the future.

Today, nearly every major oil manufacturer has followed AMSOIL’s lead. But there’s only one original. AMSOIL remains “The First in Synthetics®,” continuing to innovate and outperform with products designed to protect engines longer and more effectively.