HP Engineparts

HP Engineparts aka Holland/Parker Engineparts is an auto parts supplier founded, headquartered, based out of Jackson, Michigan. The company is been involved in motorsports for the last 40 years. Currently, they sponsor the Independent's Trophy entry the #57 of Vijay Pushanda in the TM Master Cup Series, the #18 TM Lights entry also piloted by Pushanda, the #25 Midwest Pride Racing ARLA Tornado Alley Truck Series entry of Steven Fischer, and the #156 National Racing Championship M&D Motorsports entry of Michael More Jr.

Creation, Early Beginnings and Controversy

HP Engineparts was founded in 1943 in Jackson, Michigan, by Jonathan Holland and Timothy Parker. The two were neighbors who worked at the same automobile assembly plant as line workers. With their mutual knowledge of the mechanical aspects of automobiles, Holland and Parker decided to open their own auto repair shop under the name of "H&P Repairs" in July of 1943.

In 1952, HP in order to compete with the auto company suppliers, began to manufacture their own aftermarket parts. This however created a bit of controversy later on. The company also changed its name to its current name during this year to emphasis the company's speciality in the engine/drivetrain part of a vehicle.

During the muscle car era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, HP found themselves at the center of controversy. Because the cost to make the company's aftermarket performance parts was cheaper than its competitors, the company was able to sell them cheaper. However, the reliability and performance of these parts at least according to HP's customers appeared to exceed those of the actual manufacture parts. This understandably left the automakers fuming. As a result of the complains from the automakers, HP offered to offer the automakers aftermarket parts as well as their own. This stopped the complains, but the automakers still to this day aren't fond of the company.

Involvement in Motorsports

In 1973, HP in an effort to improve its image and broaden its customer base decided to get involved in auto racing. Partnering up with Michigan native Jim More, HP sponsored a top alcohol dragster in the Top Alcohol Championship (TAC). HP remained with More during this driving career (1973-1985) and during this time as TAC owner (1986-1992), sponsoring his drivers as well.

Beginning in 1993, HP moved its racing sponsorship to a dirt car in the Midwest Short Track Series (MSTS). It was here the company would remain for the next 19 years.

In 2012, More came a calling. More wanted HP to sponsor his team's TM Lights entry to which they accepted. In addition to the Lights entry, HP also took to sponsoring the RROL Elite Series entry of More's nephew Michael More Jr.

For 2013, HP will be celebrating its 70th anniversary. It will also make its first TM Master Cup race as a sponsor at the Round of England.