VP Racing Fuels

What VP Racing Fuels does

VP Racing Fuels, Inc. is a privately held, Texas-headquartered specialty fuel and chemical company founded in 1975 that develops and distributes over 80 proprietary race fuel formulations alongside a full line of performance lubricants, coolants, fuel additives, traction compounds, and small-engine fuels. The company's core technology rests on five decades of motorsports R&D, yielding formulations spanning leaded, unleaded, methanol, ethanol, nitromethane, and diesel blends; notable proprietary offerings include the Stay Frosty 100% water-based racing coolant with three distinct wetting agents, the LaneChoice traction compound line, and UL100E — an unleaded aviation gasoline co-developed with LyondellBasell that is the only fuel to have passed the FAA PAFI-required 350-hour durability test in a Continental TSIO-550-K piston engine and received ASTM specification in December 2025.

Revenue is generated through six principal streams: B2B race fuel and lubricant sales via 2,000+ dealers across 60+ countries; direct-to-consumer e-commerce and branded retail (nearly 400 gas stations, marinas, VP PowerWash car washes, VP FastLube centers in the U.S. and Mexico); consumer automotive products sold at Advance Auto, AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Ace Hardware, and Amazon; wholesale specialty chemicals (MTBE, ETBE, glycols, solvents, custom formulations) for industrial, agricultural, and defense/drone customers; branded-retail licensing with reported 30% premium-fuel uplift and 50 bps lower credit-card processing for station operators; and aviation fuel development targeting the 2030 leaded-avgas phase-out. Unit pricing ranges from $8.99-$27.99 for consumer SKUs to $110+ per 5-gallon pail for race fuel, with bulk pricing through dealer channels on a contact-sales basis. The company operates three U.S. manufacturing facilities, five distribution points (plus a new Arizona terminal), and European hubs in Poland and the Netherlands established via a 2026 acquisition of an Ireland-based fuel company. Alan Cerwick has served as President and CEO since 2011 and holds majority ownership; the cap table shows no institutional PE/VC backing.

Name

VP Racing Fuels

Legal name

VP Racing Fuels, Inc.

Website

http://vpracingfuels.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

VP Racing Fuels is a privately held, Texas-based specialty fuel and chemical company that develops and distributes over 80 proprietary race fuel formulations, lubricants, coolants, additives, and small-engine fuels to professional racers, automotive enthusiasts, industrial B2B clients, and branded retail operators across 60+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Racing Fuels and Lubricants

NAICS

Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing (324191), Gasoline Stations (4571), Fuel Dealers (45721)

SIC

Miscellaneous Products Of Petroleum & Coal (2990), Retail-Auto Dealers & Gasoline Stations (5500)

akta.pro primary industry

Branded Fuels Wholesaling & Jobber Distribution (EUALAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Alternative Transportation Fuels Retail (EV Charging, Hydrogen, CNG/LNG, Biofuels Blends) (EUALAIAI), Aviation Fuel Marketing (Into-Plane, Airport Fueling) (EUALAIAH), Fuel Additives & Lubricant Additives (IMAEAMAL), Commercial & Fleet Fueling (Cardlock, On-Site Tanks, Bulk Delivery) (EUALAIAD)

Keywords

• Racing fuel formulations
• Specialty lubricants
• Small engine fuels
• Specialty petrochemicals
• Aviation gasoline

Headquarters

HQ city

San Antonio

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Race Fuel Sales: Sale of proprietary race fuels across over 80 blends for drag racing, circle track, road racing, motocross, powersports, snowmobile, marine, and aviation applications. Sold in 5-gallon pails, 54-gallon drums, and larger quantities through B2B dealers.
2. Consumer Lubricants and Additives: Sale of automotive lubricants (PCMO, full synthetic, synthetic blend), fuel additives, coolants, and small engine fuels through retail chains (Advance Auto, AutoZone, O'Reilly) and direct e-commerce.
3. Branded Retail (Gas Stations, Marinas, Car Washes, Lube Centers): VP-branded gas stations (nearly 400 in U.S. and Mexico), branded marinas, VP PowerWash car washes, and VP FastLube quick lube centers. Station operators gain access to VP's brand power, competitive credit card rates (50 basis points below industry average), and increased premium fuel ratios (30% improvement in premium percentages).
4. Specialty Chemicals: Wholesale distribution and toll blending of petrochemicals including fuels, additives, MTBE, ETBE, alcohols, glycols, toluene, xylene, and industrial solvents for B2B clients across agriculture, landscaping, and industrial sectors.
5. Aviation Fuel (UL100E): Development and anticipated commercial sale of unleaded aviation gasoline (UL100E) in partnership with LyondellBasell through FAA PAFI program. Expected to be commercially available before 2030 deadline for leaded avgas phase-out.
6. International Distribution: Distribution across 60+ countries through established international dealer network. Company acquired Ireland-based fuel company in 2025 establishing operational footprint in Poland and Netherlands.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

VP Racing Fuels manufactures and distributes over 80 proprietary race fuel formulations (leaded, unleaded, methanol, ethanol, nitromethane, diesel) along with a full line of performance lubricants, coolants, fuel additives, traction compounds, and small engine fuels. The company also operates a branded retail division with nearly 400 VP-branded gas stations, marinas, car washes, and quick lube centers, and supplies specialty petrochemicals and an FAA-accepted unleaded aviation gasoline (UL100E).

Product overview

VP Racing Fuels is a diversified specialty fuel and chemical company offering over 80 unique fuel formulas, engine oils, lubricants, additives, coolants, and specialty chemicals. The company operates multiple divisions including Race (race fuels and lubricants), Branded Retail (gas stations, car washes, marinas, lube centers), Consumer Products (automotive additives and small engine fuels available at major retailers), Aviation (unleaded AVGAS development), and Specialty Chemicals (wholesale petrochemicals and custom fuel formulations). The product portfolio spans race fuels (C12, VP110, methanol fuels), small engine fuels (ethanol-free 40:1 and 50:1 mixes), RC hobby fuels, automotive and powersports lubricants (full synthetic, synthetic blend, and conventional), coolants (Stay Frosty racing coolant), traction compounds (Lane Choice, CTR Circle Track Resin), and branded merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• LaneChoice: Traction compound brand for track prep including LC7 and LC5 products for drag racing, oval tracks, and dirt tracks
• Stay Frosty
• VP PowerWash
• VP FastLube
• VP CTR
• VP LaneChoice Pro
• Octanium
• VP Power
• Ultra Power

Products and services

• C12 Race Fuel VP's original leaded race fuel formulated for drag racing applications with maximum performance and consistent quality.
• VP 110 Octane Race Fuel Leaded 110 octane race fuel formulated for naturally aspirated engines with compression ratios up to 12:1, used in drag racing, road racing, karts, PWC, and powerboat applications.
• M1 Methanol Race Fuel High-purity methanol race fuel (99.95% minimum) packaged in lined drums to prevent contamination, designed for drag racing with superior cooling properties.
• VP 4-Cycle Fuel (Ethanol-Free Small Engine Fuel) 94 octane ethanol-free fuel for 4-cycle small engines including lawn mowers, generators, and pressure washers, with 2-year tank stability and 5-year sealed shelf life.
• Fix-It-Fuel Small Engine Treatment 87-octane ethanol-free gasoline pre-mixed with oil (50:1 ratio) that cleans and rejuvenates fuel systems, fixes ethanol issues, and provides off-season storage protection for small engines.
• Small Engine Premixed Fuels (40:1, 50:1, Multi-Mix) Ethanol-free pre-mixed fuels for 2-cycle and 4-cycle outdoor power equipment, protecting equipment from ethanol damage while ensuring reliable starts.
• RC Nitro Hobby Fuels Premium RC nitro fuels for cars, helicopters, and planes, including Master Basher fuel for beginners and RC Pro Race fuel with synthetic/castor oil blends for competitive racing.
• Stay Frosty Race Ready Coolant 100% water-based (glycol-free) racing coolant featuring three wetting agents for multi-temperature protection, reducing engine temps up to 30°F and 80°F at cylinder heads.
• Pro Grade Full Synthetic Racing Oils Full synthetic motor oils in various viscosities (0W20, 5W30, 10W40, 15W50) designed for racing applications with superior film strength and protection.
• Powersports Lubricants Engine oils for 2T and 4T powersports engines including motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles, available in conventional, synthetic blend, and full synthetic formulations.
• Traction Compounds (Lane Choice, CTR, Stay Wet) Track prep solutions including Lane Choice 7 and LC5 traction compounds for drag racing, CTR Circle Track Resin for asphalt ovals, and Stay Wet dirt conditioner for dirt tracks.
• VP Powersports Brake Fluids VP 622 Racing Brake Fluid: Full Synthetic DOT 4 brake fluid for high-performance racing applications.
• Fuel Additives (Octanium, 7-IN-1, Diesel All-In-One) Premium fuel additives including Octanium octane boosters, 7-IN-1 fuel treatments, and Diesel All-In-One additive/conditioner for gasoline and diesel applications.
• UL100E Unleaded Aviation Gasoline (AVGAS) Unleaded aviation fuel developed with LyondellBasell through the FAA PAFI program, designed to provide a fleet-wide unleaded alternative to leaded 100LL aviation gasoline.
• Specialty Chemicals Division Products Wholesale petrochemicals including MTBE, ETBE, alcohols, glycols, toluene, xylene, ketones, acetates, solvents, bulk alkylate, nitromethane, methanol, isooctane, and custom fuel formulations for industrial, agricultural, and commercial clients.
• VP Branded Retail Gas Stations Program Turn-key branded retail program for gas station operators, rebranding locations under the VP Racing name with competitive credit card rates and an average 30% increase in premium fuel percentages.
• VP PowerWash Automatic Car Wash Program VP-branded automatic car wash systems featuring The Science of Clean technology, offered as turn-key revenue-generating additions to gas stations.
• VP FastLube Quick Lube Center Program VP-branded quick lubricant centers with preferred supplier program for bulk and packaged lubricants, backed by a lubricant warranty program and competitive pricing.

Quantifiable outcome

• Branded gas stations see 30% increase in premium fuel percentages under VP brand
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kurt Johnson and Total Venue Concepts (TVC)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 September 2025VP Racing signed a multi-year traction compound agreement with Kurt Johnson and Total Venue Concepts (TVC), naming VP as the official traction compound provider for TVC. The agreement extends a long-standing partnership built on delivering traction solutions from proven products like VP LaneChoice Pro to the continued development of next-generation compounds. The partnership includes hands-on education through videos, seminars, and training to help tracks achieve optimal traction.
• Andrew Findlay / One Moment Air RacingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2025VP Racing announced a partnership with race pilot Andrew Findlay and his company One Moment Air Racing, making VP the official fuel supplier as Findlay conducts in-flight testing of VP's new UL100E unleaded aviation gasoline. Findlay, a two-time Reno Air Race champion, tests the fuel in his Lancair Super Legacy aircraft as VP works toward FAA certification and ASTM standards compliance.
• LyondellBasellcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018VP Racing partnered with LyondellBasell in 2018 to pursue FAA and ASTM approval for unleaded aviation gasoline through the PAFI program. The collaboration developed UL100E, the only unleaded avgas to pass the FAA PAFI-required 350-hour durability test in a Continental TSIO-550-K engine. VP Racing is the only company accepted into the FAA PAFI program, and LyondellBasell brings chemical manufacturing scale for production and distribution. Both PAFI authorization and ASTM specification progress concurrently for UL100E.
• Plastic Product FormersminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerVP Racing sources specialty containers and jugs from Plastic Product Formers (PPF), a separate company that manufactures VP-branded utility jugs (5.5 gal and 3 gal capacities), hoses, adapters, and accessories. VP-branded jugs are sold through VP Racing channels and are a top-selling product for sportsmen and automotive enthusiasts.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sunoco Race Fuels: Sunoco's race fuels division is the most direct competitor to VP Racing in motorsports fuel, offering a comparable line of leaded and unleaded race fuel blends sold through a similar dealer network across U.S. drag strips, circle tracks, and road racing circuits.
• Klotz Special Formula: A long-standing specialty fuel and lubricant brand focused on 2-stroke racing applications, snowmobile, and small engine fuels. Highly comparable niche competitor in the motorsports specialty fuel category that VP Racing operates in.
• Lucas Oil Products: Lucas Oil is a specialty lubricants and fuel additives company with comparable motorsports sponsorship strategy (NHRA title sponsor) and product overlap in racing oils, fuel additives, and small engine fuels. Closely comparable mid-market specialty fuel/lubricant peer.
• AMSOIL: AMSOIL is a synthetic lubricants and fuel additives specialist with direct-to-consumer and dealer distribution model (similar to VP's), competing across racing oils, small engine fuels, and additives in the enthusiast and prosumer automotive aftermarket.

Emerging players

• Swift Fuel: An emerging alternative-aviation-fuel developer pursuing unleaded AVGAS solutions through the FAA PAFI program alongside VP Racing. Highly relevant as a direct competitor specifically in the UL100E aviation opportunity.
• Renegade Race Fuels: Smaller specialty race fuel blender serving drag racing, motorcycle, and powersports markets in the U.S., directly comparable niche competitor to VP's 80+ fuel blend portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• Shell V-Power / Shell Lubricants: Shell's premium V-Power retail fuel brand and Pennzoil/Shell lubricants portfolio competes with VP across consumer retail, additives, and racing oils, with vastly larger scale and global distribution leverage.
• Valero Energy: Major U.S. downstream fuel refiner and retailer where VP's CEO Alan Cerwick previously served as VP of Wholesale Operations. Relevant comparable for the branded retail fuel station and wholesale distribution strategy VP is replicating.
• TotalEnergies: Integrated energy major with racing partnerships (e.g., Total Quartz motor oils in motorsports) and significant specialty lubricants and additives business, comparable to VP's downstream specialty and racing lubrication offerings.
• Phillips 66: U.S. downstream fuel marketer and lubricants manufacturer (Phillips 66 Lubricants operates a comparable specialty lubes business including racing-grade products sold through industrial and consumer channels).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vp_racing_fuels
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXDyawOhZLnHBzG5dQdIbXA
• Facebookfacebook.com/vpracingfuel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vp-racing-fuels
• Instagraminstagram.com/vpracingfuels
• TikToktiktok.com/@vpracingfuels

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about VP Racing Fuels