Officers from MPI Inc. USA and Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) have introduced a multi-year settlement that can see the main motorsports steering wheel provider turn into a ‘Proud Accomplice of HSR.’
Inside the new settlement, MPI has been named the ‘Official Steering Wheel Provider of HSR’ and the title presenting sponsor of HSR’s new MPI Spirit of Motorsport Award.
Based in 2009 by Max Papis and Tatiana Fittipaldi Papis, MPI has grown right into a worldwide business chief within the motorsports steering wheel sector. The MPI collections, collaborations and product traces are huge, providing steering wheels for every little thing from oval monitor racing to street racing and from drag racing to even racing simulator system fitments. All of it provides as much as MPI’s achieved historical past in worldwide skilled motorsports, together with being the unique provider of steering wheels to all groups competing within the internationally fashionable Australian Supercars Championship.
The HSR partnership offers MPI with not solely the official product designation but in addition the presenting rights to the thrilling new MPI Spirit of Motorsport Award. The best ‘off-track’ and non-competition honor in HSR’s practically 50-year historical past, the MPI Spirit of Motorsport Award will yearly acknowledge a worthy HSR member who finest shows season-long ardour, integrity and generosity for and inside historic motorsports all through the season.
MPI Spirit of Motorsport Award candidates will likely be members of the HSR membership group displaying the traits of heritage preservation, accountable restoration and renovation, youth mentorship, paddock and group spirit, management and integrity and an general dedication to philanthropy and ‘giving again’.
Papis will serve with different motorsports and paddock leaders on the MPI Spirit of Motorsport Choice Committee, which will likely be established in preparation for the primary presentation of the distinction in 2026.
Moreover, MPI has additionally stepped as much as provide the complementary MPI Efficiency & Ardour Award this 12 months. Scheduled to be offered on the 2025 HSR Daytona Traditional 24 Hour offered by Mission Meals, the Efficiency & Ardour honor will likely be awarded to the competitor demonstrating the most effective ‘coronary heart, hustle and horsepower’ all through the oldest HSR Traditional Endurance Championship offered by Mission Meals race.
Probably the most fashionable drivers with followers and even his opponents in his profession, Papis was identified for his general constructive outlook and embracing the qualifying traits of each the MPI Spirit and MPI Efficiency & Ardour awards. Knowledgeable driver because the age of 12, Papis raced in Components 1, ChampCar, IndyCar, IMSA, Grand-Am, IROC and the NASCAR Truck, Xfinity and Cup Collection.
Papis is a two-time Rolex 24 At Daytona general successful co-driver and joined Scott Pruett in co-driving to the 2004 Grand-Am Rolex Sports activities Automobile Collection Daytona Prototype season championship. Moreover, he nonetheless holds the file for having probably the most NASCAR race begins by a European driver.
Throughout his lengthy racing profession, Papis collaborated with a number of prime steering wheel producers, which constructed his ardour for and understanding of the enterprise. His foremost aim has been to use this expertise and data to provide state-of-the-art merchandise for the motorsports group.
Subsequent up on the 2025 HSR calendar is the HSR VIR Historics at VIRginia Worldwide Raceway (VIR), September 4 – 7.
“We at MPI are extremely excited to hitch forces with HSR,” stated Papis. “When John Doonan introduced us the concept, my group and I had been instantly on board. This partnership brings collectively MPI’s ardour for security, innovation and craftsmanship with HSR’s legendary function as a frontrunner in historic and classic motorsports. We’re proud to assist the preservation of iconic race vehicles by handcrafting options that respect the previous whereas integrating trendy security along with introducing with HSR a brand new and soon-to-be coveted award and distinctive trophy to a racing group I deeply love.”
John Doonan, HSR President, stated: “We’re delighted to have MPI be a part of our rising HSR partnership household and sit up for an extended and productive relationship with Max, Tatiana, their household, and everybody at MPI. We’re excited to introduce MPI steering wheels and the corporate’s different high quality merchandise to our HSR member opponents. The eagerness and high-power progeny Max and Tati collectively deliver to our paddock alone makes MPI the proper match for each the brand new MPI Spirit of Motorsport Award and the MPI Efficiency & Ardour Award at this 12 months’s HSR Traditional Daytona 24 Hour offered by Mission Meals. Even higher, MPI can have a direct presence within the HSR paddock as we start the second half of the 2025 season, and we will’t wait to get this incredible new partnership began.”
