About VP Racing
Early Years
VP Racing Fuels was founded by Steve Burns, who, in the early 1970s as a young racer in San Antonio, Texas, started experimenting with fuel blends in his parents’ garage. Self-taught in chemistry and physics, he sought to improve horsepower beyond what existing fuels offered. His first product, “C12™,” gained traction locally, leading to the establishment of VP Racing Fuels in 1975.
Steve teamed up with Buddy Morrison and David Reher to drive early testing for VP Racing Fuels. Their partnership created a cycle of innovation: advancements in VP’s fuel tech that led to improvements in Reher-Morrison’s engines and vice versa. VP’s first paying customer, drag racer Warren Johnson, along with Bob Glidden, significantly influenced R&D. Their successes helped make VP’s C12™ one of the most renowned race fuels in motorsports.
VP Racing Ownership
After taking charge of VP Racing Fuels. Inc. in August 2011,
Alan Cerwick bought a majority share of the company in 2014 and continues to serve as thecompany's president.
Prior to VP Racing Fuels, Alan was Vice President of Wholesale Operations at Valero Energy, where he helped launch the Valero brand in 2002, preceded by holding
key roles at Koch Industries.
VP Racing Growth
From its start in San Antonio with two employees, VP Racing Fuels has grown to over 300 staff and operates five distribution points in Texas, Indiana, Delaware, and Tennessee, U.S. regional offices, plus an international office in Berlin. These locations ensure rapid fuel delivery across North America and support a global network of over 2,000 dealers. With 80+ fuel blends and a roster of champions, VP is known as the World Leader in Race Fuel Technology®, driven by a passionate team committed to maintaining its top position.
Over the last decade with Alan Cerwick at the helm, VP Racing has introduced more than 100 new products, initiated our branded retail division, oversaw growth into more than 60 countries across the globe, and is currently leading VP Racing into unleaded aviation fuel, where VP Racing is the only company accepted into the FAA's PAFI program.
