As is often the case in the performance industry, companies are founded when a racer develops a part for his own use and others see it, like it, and want it for themselves. For sure, Larry Tores and T&D Machine Products fit into this mold.

Originally a draftsman by training who transitioned into the aerospace industry, Larry started making race car parts in his backyard garage in 1975. And for a number of years also made a variety of parts that were private labelled for other manufacturers.

Simultaneously, he began accumulating important wins on the track. Over the years, Tores set many records and won major events in Stock, Super Stock and Competition Eliminators and has amassed a nice collection of Divisional and National event Wallys.

The “spark” that ignited T&D was a unique shaft rocker arm system Tores developed for his race car, which also found success with other racers. And in the early 1980s, GM’s Buick Division recognized that the T&D shaft rocker system would be a key element for their V-6 engine program that came to have a major impact on NHRA drag racing, the Indy 500, and NASCAR (Busch Grand National) competition.

Naturally, the technology spread to other engines and T&D found itself intently focused on the manufacture of shaft rocker arm systems for not only drag racing, but for top echelon NASCAR Cup teams, Sprint Car engine builders, off-roaders and the like. By 1992 T&D was bursting at the seams and opted to move from its Culver City, California home to the capital of Nevada, Carson City.

Growth continued, and in 1999 the then-large building was expanded another 75%. With the larger space, T&D invested in more and more CNC machining centres, and has added new state-of-the-art equipment virtually every year since.

Today, T&D manufactures rocker arm systems for over 400 cylinder heads and its products have established a reputation for the highest levels of quality, performance and long-term reliability. The company has grown to more than 50 employees, including highly qualified design/engineering personnel (like Brad Rounds, himself a many-time NHRA event winner). Moreover, the company works closely with leading engine builders to maintain its position at the forefront of technology. Add to this the fact that —unlike some competitors— each and every rocker system is manufactured in-house to rigorous standards, and has customer service that’s second to none…it’s easy to see why T&D is the choice of racers in all forms of motorsports.