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. STP®, began with one product — STP® Oil Treatment. It helped automobile motor oil resist thinning at high temperatures and pressures.
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/1954-edit.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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.
![STP History](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/1960.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/1963.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/Late-1960.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/richard_driving_1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/richard-trophy.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/1990s.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/2000.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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.
![STP History](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/2014.png?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/03/2018.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)
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
![](https://stpimagecdn.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2022/09/Erik-Jones-STP.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress)