StopTech, Raybestos, Centric close after bankruptcy, ending an era
StopTech and related brands cease operations after 27 years
StopTech, Raybestos, Centric close after bankruptcy, ending an era
StopTech, Raybestos, and Centric have shut down due to bankruptcy, halting production of performance brakes and leaving a gap in the aftermarket industry.
2026-02-14T11:43:14+03:00
2026-02-14T11:43:14+03:00
2026-02-14T11:43:14+03:00
StopTech, one of the most recognizable names in performance braking, has officially ceased operations after 27 years. Production has stopped immediately, and along with it, the Raybestos and Centric brands are also closing. All three brands have been caught up in the bankruptcy proceedings of First Brands Group, which accumulated over $6 billion in debt following criminal fraud charges against the company's founders.StopTech was put up for sale, but no buyers emerged. As a result, the production of calipers, rotors, and pads has been completely halted. Only existing inventory will remain on the market, which retailers will sell off as usual.For enthusiasts, this is a significant loss. StopTech was one of the few manufacturers offering affordable yet effective big brake kits—an alternative to Brembo and AP Racing for track days and street builds. However, quality noticeably declined after the brand was acquired by First Brands in 2020, with increased complaints about cracked rotors and weak components.Centric occupied the mid-range OEM replacement segment, while Raybestos held a premium niche with over a century of history. Their departure leaves a substantial gap in the U.S. aftermarket.This marks the end of an entire chapter in the tuning industry—with no chance of rescue by a buyer and no continuation of the brand.
StopTech, Raybestos, and Centric have shut down due to bankruptcy, halting production of performance brakes and leaving a gap in the aftermarket industry.
Michael Powers, Editor
StopTech, one of the most recognizable names in performance braking, has officially ceased operations after 27 years. Production has stopped immediately, and along with it, the Raybestos and Centric brands are also closing. All three brands have been caught up in the bankruptcy proceedings of First Brands Group, which accumulated over $6 billion in debt following criminal fraud charges against the company's founders.
StopTech was put up for sale, but no buyers emerged. As a result, the production of calipers, rotors, and pads has been completely halted. Only existing inventory will remain on the market, which retailers will sell off as usual.
For enthusiasts, this is a significant loss. StopTech was one of the few manufacturers offering affordable yet effective big brake kits—an alternative to Brembo and AP Racing for track days and street builds. However, quality noticeably declined after the brand was acquired by First Brands in 2020, with increased complaints about cracked rotors and weak components.
Centric occupied the mid-range OEM replacement segment, while Raybestos held a premium niche with over a century of history. Their departure leaves a substantial gap in the U.S. aftermarket.
This marks the end of an entire chapter in the tuning industry—with no chance of rescue by a buyer and no continuation of the brand.
