Bob Newton, Founder of Hoosier Racing Tires in Plymouth, IN, died Wednesday afternoon at his home at the age of 85. Newton and his wife, Joyce, started Hoosier Racing Tire in 1957.
The company currently ships to over 70 countries and has warehouse distributor’s all over the world. Newton was a racer before a businessman, and he saw a need for better tires.
The business has become the world’s largest race tire manufacturer and one of the largest employers in Marshall County. Bob Newton’s impact in Michiana is great. He’s always a man who wanted to give. Newton was the main donor behind Newton Park and the Newton Center.
He also started the Little Hoosier 100 race. And those he’s helped along the way have given back. Including reigning Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, who frequently comes into to town to support the Newton’s.
Just two years ago, Stewart presented Bob with a $10,000 check for Newton Park as a way to say thanks for everything. Newton is survived by his wife Joyce, four children and many grandchildren and great children. Funeral arrangements are pending Hoosier Tire supplied tires to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 1988-1989 and again for part of the 1994 season.
(Hoosier Tire.Com, WNDU.Com News)