Dick Cepek, founded by Richard Cepek in 1958 and established as a tire manufacturer in 1963, pioneered the off-road tire industry with the "Baja Proven" philosophy that revolutionized specialized tire design for truck, Jeep, SUV, and 4×4 enthusiasts. Richard Cepek's innovative vision began when he recognized the need for wider, more durable tires during California desert explorations with his Land Rover, leading him to collaborate with Armstrong Rubber to create the first custom off-road tire solutions. The company's legendary "Baja Proven" trademark originated from Dick Cepek's 1963 1,000-mile Baja peninsula journey, establishing the ultimate tire testing standard that continues to define off-road performance excellence. Dick Cepek's business growth from a one-and-a-half car garage to three warehouses, 15 stores, and international expansion including Japan demonstrated the brand's commitment to serving the growing off-road community. The company's racing heritage includes Richard Cepek's second-place finish in the first official Baja 1000 in 1966 alongside Ed Pearlman, cementing Dick Cepek's reputation for performance-driven tire engineering. Dick Cepek's comprehensive product portfolio serves passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and specialty off-road applications, with the iconic Gumbo Mudder as the first branded tire establishing the company's mud-terrain expertise. Following Richard Cepek's death in 1983, the company continued under son Tom Cepek's leadership until 2000, when Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels acquired the brand for $1.6 million, preserving the Dick Cepek legacy. The brand's evolution from a small South Gate, California tire shop to a recognized leader in off-road tire technology reflects decades of innovation in specialized tire compounds and tread designs for extreme terrain applications. Dick Cepek's commitment to quality and performance made it one of the first off-road enterprises, establishing industry standards for durability, traction, and reliability across diverse off-road conditions and vehicle applications. Today, Dick Cepek continues to honor its founder's vision under Mickey Thompson's ownership, maintaining the "Baja Proven" standard while delivering cutting-edge tire solutions for outdoor enthusiasts and professional off-road applications.