Essex Parts

What Essex Parts does

Essex Parts Services, Inc. is a privately held motorsport parts distributor and authorized service provider headquartered in Cramerton, North Carolina. Founded in 1981 by Michael Gue as Essex Racing to import British road racing cars and components into the US market, the company has operated for over 40 years under the ownership of Richard Martin and Ken Gordon (since 1999), with Ken Gordon serving as President. The company's commercial foundation is its exclusive North American importer and distributor agreement with AP Racing (United Kingdom), through which it supplies Radi-CAL calipers, J Hook discs, master cylinders, brake fluids, and complete engineered big brake kits to professional racing teams and enthusiast consumers. Essex complements AP Racing with complementary brands including Ferodo Racing (brake pads), Spiegler (stainless steel brake lines), Forgeline (wheels), Öhlins (suspension), Hyperco (suspension components), and HITCO Carbon Composites, assembling these into multi-brand brake and chassis solutions validated for specific vehicle platforms.

The product portfolio spans core AP Racing Competition and Road Brake Kits ($2,500 to $7,000+ per kit), individual calipers, two-piece J Hook discs, master cylinders, brake pads and fluids, and consumables such as caliper stud kits and OEM-branded brake bundles. Essex designs and engineers vehicle-specific fitments, removes 20-45 lbs of unsprung weight in typical upgrades, and reports customer-validated outcomes of 50,000+ miles on a single disc set and 1-4 second lap time improvements. Professional services include a patented computer-controlled brake disc bedding and burnishing process (US patent US20140165350), AP Racing caliper recertification as the only authorized US rebuild center, brake dynamometer testing, and master cylinder rebuilding — capabilities delivered directly to NASCAR Cup, IndyCar, IMSA, TCR, and Late Model teams. The customer base spans enterprise clients (Stewart-Haas Racing, Team Penske, Action Express Racing) and a long tail of mid-market enthusiasts purchasing through the essexparts.com e-commerce site, a wholesale dealer network, and phone ordering.

Revenue flows from hardware sales (aftermarket and professional racing parts) and service revenue (rebuilds, recertifications, dynamometer testing) under a multi-channel go-to-market model combining enterprise direct sales with approved-customer accounts for pro racing products, consumer direct-to-consumer e-commerce, a wholesale dealer network with MAP policy enforcement, and international distribution coordinated through other AP Racing distributors. The go-to-market spans North America and select international shipping (excluding territories with existing AP Racing distributors). Recent strategic moves include the October 2024 launch of Essex Moto Parts as exclusive North American distributor for Italian motorcycle brake manufacturer Accossato Racing, expanded IndyCar exclusivity (AP Racing exclusive clutch supplier for the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series), sustained vehicle-platform product launches across 2025-2026 (BMW E30/E36/E46, Porsche GT4 Clubsport and GT3 Cup, Corvette C4, VW GTI Mk8, Mustang S650), and entry into carbon-disc products via the HITCO partnership.

Name

Essex Parts

Legal name

Essex Parts Services, Inc.

Website

https://essexparts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Essex Parts Services is a Cramerton, NC-based exclusive North American importer and distributor for AP Racing, supplying high-performance brake systems and professional racing services to NASCAR Cup, IndyCar, IMSA teams and enthusiast consumers across the US motorsport market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performance Brake Systems and Motorsport Components

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Brake System Manufacturing (336340), Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (3363), Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (33633)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYIMACANAB

Aftermarket Brake Components Manufacturing (Pads/Rotors/Calipers/Lines)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Automotive & Mobility Manufacturing/Automotive Aftermarket Parts & Accessories Manufacturing

SECONDARYIMACAIAE

Brake Friction & Rotors (Pads/Shoes/Discs/Drums)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Automotive & Mobility Manufacturing/Automotive Chassis, Suspension, Steering & Braking Systems

SECONDARYIMACAAAJ

Passenger Vehicle Chassis, Suspension, Steering & Braking Manufacturing (ICE)

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Automotive & Mobility Manufacturing/Passenger Vehicle Manufacturing (ICE)

Keywords

• Performance brake systems
• Racing brake components
• Motorsport parts distribution
• Brake dynamometer testing
• Caliper rebuilding services

Headquarters

HQ city

Cumming

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aftermarket Parts Sales: Sale of brake kits, calipers, brake pads, brake fluids, brake lines, wheels, suspension components, and accessories through e-commerce and dealer network.
2. Professional Racing Services: AP Racing Caliper Recertification (only authorized rebuild center in USA), Brake Disc Bedding/Burnishing, Brake Dynamometer Service, Master Cylinder Rebuilding for professional racing teams.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Essex Parts Services, Inc. is the exclusive North American importer and distributor of AP Racing performance brake systems. The company sells brake kits, calipers, discs, brake pads, brake fluids, brake lines, master cylinders, suspension products, and wheels to professional racing teams and motorsport enthusiasts. It also provides professional services including brake disc bedding, caliper recertification, dynamometer testing, and master cylinder rebuilding.

Product overview

Essex Parts Services is a premier distributor of high-performance racing and automotive brake components in North America. The company operates as a platform of integrated product lines centered around AP Racing brake systems, complemented by complementary brands. Core offerings include AP Racing by Essex Competition Brake Kits (including ENP Radi-CAL, Anodized Radi-CAL, and Standard variants), AP Racing by Essex Radi-CAL Road Brake Kits, AP Racing Brake Calipers (Front Six/Four Piston, Rear Four Piston), AP Racing Brake Discs (2-piece J Hook, replacement rings), AP Racing Master Cylinders, and Ferodo Racing Brake Pads (DS2500, DS1.11, DSUNO, DS3.12) and Brake Fluids. Supporting products include Spiegler Stainless Steel Brake Lines, Essex Brake Bundles, Tools/Temperature Products, Forgeline Wheels, Öhlins and Hyperco Suspension, Versodeck Premium Garage Flooring, Brake Caliper Stud Kits, and Formula SAE products. Professional services include Patented Brake Disc Bedding/Burnishing, AP Racing Caliper Recertification (only authorized rebuild center in USA), Brake Dynamometer Service, and Master Cylinder Rebuilding. The company also supplies NASCAR NextGen-specific parts and supports racing series including Late Model, NASCAR Cup Series, IndyCar, and TCR/Touring Car.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AP Racing Performance Brake Systems Complete line of high-performance brake components including brake kits, calipers, discs, brake pads, brake fluids, brake lines, and master cylinders manufactured by AP Racing and distributed exclusively in North America by Essex Parts. Used by professional racing teams in NASCAR and IndyCar as well as amateur motorsport enthusiasts.
• Brake Disc Bedding Service Professional brake disc bedding service that prepares newly installed brake discs for optimal performance and longevity, typically required for motorsport and high-performance applications.
• Caliper Recertification Service Professional caliper rebuilding and recertification service that restores used racing calipers to factory specifications, allowing racing teams to reuse components that would otherwise require replacement.
• Dynamometer Testing Service Brake dynamometer testing service that measures braking performance, heat capacity, and fade characteristics of brake systems under simulated racing conditions.
• Master Cylinder Rebuilding Service Master cylinder rebuilding and refurbishment service for racing and high-performance brake hydraulic systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• Removes 20-45 lbs of unsprung weight from vehicle nose when upgrading to big brake kit
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Accossato RacingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 October 2024Essex Moto Parts named exclusive North American distributor for Accossato Racing products. Italian manufacturer of racing components.
• HITCO Carbon CompositesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 October 2019AP Racing announced exclusive global distribution partnership with HITCO Carbon Composites. Essex now the exclusive supplier of HITCO carbon products in North America.
• AP RacingcoreTechnology or IntegrationExclusive North American importer and distributor for AP Racing products since at least 2004. Essex designs, engineers, and markets complete brake kit solutions using AP Racing components including Radi-CAL calipers, J Hook discs, and competition brake kits for the North American market.
• Ferodo RacingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary supplier of brake pad products. Ferodo Racing brake pads are sold through Essex as replacement pads for Essex-designed brake kits and standalone products. Multiple Ferodo compounds offered including DS2500, DS1.11, DS3.12, and DSUNO.
• SpieglercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpiegler stainless steel brake lines are distributed through Essex. Custom-designed SS brake line kits available for various vehicle applications as part of Essex's product catalog.
• Forgeline MotorsportsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorForgeline performance wheels offered through Essex. Customers can purchase wheels alongside brake kits from a single source.
• ÖhlinsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorÖhlins suspension products offered through Essex including Road & Track coilover kits and Formula SAE suspension components.
• HypercominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHyperco suspension components offered through Essex, including Formula SAE suspension products for student racing programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wilwood Engineering: US-based designer and manufacturer of aftermarket high-performance and racing brake kits, calipers, rotors, and master cylinders. Direct competitor to Essex in the North American pro and amateur racing brake kit market.
• Stoptech: Aftermarket big brake kit brand (part of Centric Parts / APC) targeting performance street and track-day enthusiasts. Direct competitor to Essex's AP Racing by Essex Road Brake Kits and Brake Bundles.
• PowerStop: Aftermarket brake systems provider offering calipers, rotors, and pad bundles for performance and street applications. Competes with Essex in the brake bundle / direct-fit upgrade segment for enthusiast consumers.
• Performance Friction Corporation (PFC): Manufacturer of racing brake pads, calipers, and discs supplying professional and amateur motorsport teams worldwide. Competes with Essex for pro-racing team brake supply and pad business.
• Baer Brakes: US aftermarket big brake kit specialist serving muscle car, late model, and track-day enthusiasts. Comparable to Essex in target customer, kit configuration approach, and North American distribution model.

Emerging players

• Hawk Performance: Aftermarket performance and racing brake pad specialist (part of Carlisle Companies). Competes with Essex / Ferodo on the pad portion of the brake upgrade bundle and overlaps with Essex's track-day customer base.
• Movit: Specialist in high-performance and motorsport brake and cooling systems for premium European platforms. Niche competitor with partial product overlap to Essex's European sports car and GT racing brake kits.
• Tarox: Italian aftermarket brake specialist offering discs, calipers, pads, and brake lines for performance and track-day vehicles. Adjacent competitor to Essex in the enthusiast aftermarket segment.

Broad incumbents

• Brembo: Global brake-system incumbent with broad OEM and aftermarket coverage, including high-performance and motorsport calipers and discs. Direct product overlap with Essex across racing and high-performance street segments, though Brembo operates at far greater scale and also serves mainstream automotive OEMs.

Others

• AP Racing: UK-based manufacturer of Radi-CAL calipers, J Hook discs, and motorsport brake systems. Essex is AP Racing's exclusive North American distributor; they sit on opposite sides of the same supply chain and AP's decisions directly determine Essex's product access.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC-nRnuq_JLpTBXW_IT3tzOQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/297927243607
• Instagraminstagram.com/essex_apracing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Essex Parts