Our history – a timeline

1954

Charles Dwight (Doc) Liggett, Jim Hill and Robert DeHart began packaging STP® Oil Treatment in a backyard garage at night and selling it from the trunks of their cars during their business and pleasure trips.

STP History

1960-1961

The company’s initial growth and profitability, attributed to strong word of mouth and the brand’s link to auto racing, enabled STP® to introduce its first Gas Treatment.

1963

Andy Granatelli was appointed CEO of STP® and began to increase the brand’s marketing efforts through auto and boat racing. STP® product distribution began to grow, and soon STP® products were available in more than 200,000 gasoline stations across the U.S.

STP Racing

Late Sixties

By the end of 1966, sales had climbed to more than $43 million. In 1969, STP® became a public corporation, and shares went on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “STP”. STP® sponsored its own Indy Car racing team, featuring Mario Andretti, the winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500.

STP History

Seventies

STP® made headlines throughout the world by beginning its association with future stock car legend Richard Petty, a partnership that continues to this day.  Products were marketed throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and nearly 100 countries around the world.

Richard Petty STP

Eighties

In 1981, Richard Petty completed his 7th and final Daytona 500 victory in the #43 STP car. In 1984, Petty would win his 200th career race.

Richard Petty STP

Nineties

In 1996, STP Launches its first Complete Fuel System Cleaner while Bobby Hamilton won his first race in Phoenix, returning the #43 car to Victory Lane.

STP History

2009

In 2009, Richard Petty drives the pace car at the Daytona 500®, as part of the 25th anniversary of his 200th win. STP® and Armor All World of Outlaws™ driver Donny Schatz won his fourth straight Knoxville National championship in an STP® Indy 500 Tribute car.

Richard Petty History

2014

In 2014, STP celebrated its 60th Anniversary, launching Ultra 5-in-1 Fuel System Cleaner and hosting the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway, won by Kurt Busch.

2018

In 2018, Richard Petty Motorsports hires Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. to race the famed STP No. 43 in the NASCAR Cup Series. He is the first African-American full-time NASCAR Cup driver since Wendell Scott in 1971. Bubba started off the 2018 season strong with a 2nd place finish at the Daytona 500.

Richard Petty Mototsports

2022

On September 4th, Erik Jones drove the iconic #43 Chevrolet into pit lane for the 200th time by winning the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Photo credit to Nigel Kinrade Photography, LLC