IMS Products was founded in 1976 by dirt track racer CH Wheat. CH's goal was to use his racing knowledge to manufacturer high-performance off-road parts and accessories. CH recognized a need for innovative products such as extended-capacity fuel tanks, high-quality foot pegs, and more durable shift levers. These were all products that were needed, but no one was really meeting the demand for off-road motorcycle enthusiasts. Starting in a small shop in Southern California, the epicenter of the motorcycle industry, IMS began manufacturing durable, yet easy to use parts for the off-road community. The early successes were small as IMS spread by word of mouth, but by the early 1980s, a loyal following had been formed. In 1995, CH Wheat was joined by off-road racer Scott Wright. IMS made its products available to both small and large distributors worldwide and sales increased dramatically. Being a racer himself, Wright knew the racers were the lifeblood of new product needs and feedback so he expanded rider sponsorship worldwide. The company grew tremendously from 1995 to 2000, with new, innovative products and marketing. IMS became an industry leader in fuel tank technology with their Quick Fill system, which was an immediate racer favorite. Another hit was the IMS line of wider, stronger, and more stable foot pegs.