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  • STP History
  1. About STP®
  2. STP History

STP® History

In October 1954, three businessmen with a mere $3,000 in start-up capital introduced the first STP® product in St. Joseph, MO. Scientifically Treated Petroleum, better known as STP®, began with one product — STP® Oil Treatment. It helped automobile motor oil resist thinning at high temperatures and pressures.

 

1954

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

1960

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.

1961

The STP® brand was purchased by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. 

1963

Andy Granatelli was appointed CEO and began to increase the brand’s marketing efforts through auto and boat racing. Eventually, STP® sponsored its own Indy Car racing team, featuring Mario Andretti, the winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500.

STP® product distribution began to grow, and soon STP® products were available in more than 200,000 gasoline stations across the U.S. 

1966

By the end of the year, sales had climbed to more than $43 million. 

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.

1972

STP made headlines throughout the world by beginning its association with future stock car legend Richard Petty, a partnership that continues to this day.

1973

STP reported sales of more than $54 million and a net income of more than $1 million. Products were marketed throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and nearly 100 countries around the world. 

1978

The STP® introduced new, improved grades of motor oil, as well as sleek-looking, easy-to-pour Gas Treatment containers. Later that year, the STP Corporation was acquired by Chicago-based Esmark, Inc.

Early 1980s

The STP® brand vigorously explored diversification possibilities, and put additional emphasis on its research and development programs. Leo J. LeClair was named President and Chief Executive Officer, and directed the company’s move to a new world headquarters in Boca Raton, FL.

1990-1999

The STP® brand had built a presence in almost every country in the world through a mixture of sales and international subsidiaries.

2000

STP® was replaced by General Mills as the primary sponsor for the #43 car but continued to be involved with the Petty team.

2006

STP® returned as the primary sponsor for the #43 car for two races (Talladega and Richmond).

2014

STP® celebrated its 60th Anniversary and hosted the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway, won by Kurt Busch.

2017

The STP® launched Start-Stop Engine Cleaner to reduce engine wear on newer car models with Start-Stop technology.

2018

Richard Petty Motorsports hired 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.

2019

STP® continues to build on its rich history of racing by sponsoring the National Championship ‘STP Sportsman Series’ at Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire, UK - home of European Drag Racing.

1960

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.

1961

The STP® brand was purchased by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation. 

1972

STP made headlines throughout the world by beginning its association with future stock car legend Richard Petty, a partnership that continues to this day.

1973

STP reported sales of more than $54 million and a net income of more than $1 million. Products were marketed throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and nearly 100 countries around the world. 

2006

The STP® returned as the primary sponsor for the #43 car for two races (Talladega and Richmond).

2017

STP® launched Start-Stop Engine Cleaner to reduce engine wear on newer car models with Start-Stop technology.

2018

Richard Petty Motorsports hired 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.

1954

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

 

 

1963

Andy Granatelli was appointed CEO and began to increase the brand’s marketing efforts through auto and boat racing. Eventually, STP® sponsored its own Indy Car racing team, featuring Mario Andretti, the winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500.

STP® product distribution began to grow, and soon STP® products were available in more than 200,000 gasoline stations across the U.S. 

1966

By the end of the year, sales had climbed to more than $43 million. 

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.

1978

The STP® introduced new, improved grades of motor oil, as well as sleek-looking, easy-to-pour Gas Treatment containers. Later that year, the STP Corporation was acquired by Chicago-based Esmark, Inc.

Early 1980s

The STP® brand vigorously explored diversification possibilities, and put additional emphasis on its research and development programs. Leo J. LeClair was named President and Chief Executive Officer, and directed the company’s move to a new world headquarters in Boca Raton, FL.

1990-1999

The STP® brand had built a presence in almost every country in the world through a mixture of sales and international subsidiaries.

2000

The STP® was replaced by General Mills as the primary sponsor for the #43 car but continued to be involved with the Petty team.

2006

The STP® returned as the primary sponsor for the #43 car for two races (Talladega and Richmond).

2014

The STP® celebrated its 60th Anniversary and hosted the STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway, won by Kurt Busch.

2019

STP® continues to build on its rich history of racing by sponsoring the National Championship ‘STP Sportsman Series’ at Santa Pod Raceway in Northamptonshire, UK - home of European Drag Racing.




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