Petromark Signs On to Market VP Racing Fuels Branding Program

SAN ANTONIO -- VP Racing Fuels Inc. hopes to improve its formula for success by signing on Petromark Inc., a petroleum distributor that will look to expand the VP brand in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee.

Founded in 1975, VP Racing Fuels is known as a leader in race fuel technology and is the official racing fuel of more than 60 VP-sponsored series and sanctioning bodies, including NHRA Championship Drag Racing; American Le Mans; World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Late Model Series; and Rally America.

“Our consideration of the VP brand focused on VP’s image, very favorable credit card processing program and incremental revenue from other VP-branded products,” Steve Turner, Petromark's co-owner, said in a press release issued by VP. “We’re excited about the opportunity to pioneer the new VP Racing Fuels brand to the market and provide our independent sites resources to compete in the changing marketplace. Our success will be a result of the commitment of both companies.”

Alan Cerwick, VP's president, spoke highly of Turner's reputation in the industry.

"We're very pleased to add Petromark to the growing roster of Team VP," said Cerwick. "As a long-time board member and former chairman of PMAA [Petroleum Marketers Association of America], Steve Turner commands substantial respect in the industry and getting his buy-in makes quite a statement about the viability and potential of our retail branding program."

Co-owned by Turner and Stephen Lair, Petromark consists of 28 retail sites in northern Arkansas and the Branson, Mo., area, and 190 wholesale sites. While one-third of Petromark's volume is unbranded, its major flags are Shell, Conoco, Phillips 66 and Valero.