King Richard returns

When the ‘King’ of NASCAR - Richard Petty - and famed fuel additives brand, STP, first signed a deal in 1972, it was the start of one of the longest and most successful sponsorship relationships in motorsport.
 
In twenty years, Petty thrilled legions of NASCAR fans and rewarded STP with four NASCAR Championship titles*.
 
Petty hung up his helmet in 1992, but nearly two decades later, over the weekend of June 4/5, the iconic STP Day-Glo red and ‘Petty Blue’ race colours were once again on track, heralding STP‘s return to top-line motorsport in its native USA.
 
Under the banner of Richard Petty Motorsports, the STP-sponsored NASCAR Ford Fusion - driven by former Champ Car driver, A.J. Allmendinger, and sporting Petty’s famous ‘43’ race number - was unveiled at Kansas Speedway, launching a full season for the team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series in 2011.
 
The car pays tribute to the ‘King’, with a livery that replicates that of Petty’s 1972 STP Dodge Charger. Aside from taking Petty to his fourth NASCAR Championship victory that year, this is the car in which he wowed the crowds during his guest appearance at the 2006 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
 
The landmark return to NASCAR is part of STP’s major re-engagement with enthusiasts worldwide, in line with a major development of its fuel additive and engine care product ranges.
 
Renewed motorsport participation also includes NASCAR race and track sponsorships, and a return to big league NHRA drag racing.
 
Adding a global dimension, STP is also a founder sponsor of the UK-based Bloodhound Project - the bid to raise the World Land Speed Record to 1,000mph, which will be played out across a 14-mile land strip in South Africa in 2012/13.
 
And sports car enthusiasts across Europe are being treated to the vivid sight and sound of the STP AF Corse Ferrari F458, contesting the FIA GT3 European Championship, with qualifying rounds in seven nations.
 
For more information on STP’s 50-year motorsport heritage, current sponsorships and STP fuel additives and engine care products, visit stp.eu.