Hoosier Tire remembers Bob Newton

His legacy will live on in Lakeville and through the Hoosier Racing Tire name around the world. Wednesday, Bob Newton, 85, founder of Hoosier Racing Tire, died.

He suffered from a stroke more than a year ago.
He is being remembered as a hard worker who they will miss seeing around the plant, because that is where he loved to be.

Thursday, flags are at half-staff outside of Hoosier Racing Tire. Bob Newton founded the company after he was a racer himself for many years.

His wife, Joyce, stood by his side the entire time and still runs the company.

Newton wanted tires specifically designed for racing. Production started in 1957 and now it is the world's largest race tire manufacturer.

“I know the legacy of Bob Newton will continue with Hoosier,” said employee Irish Saunders. “ Joyce is still here, they will continue to move forward and we will still continue to grow, and be the largest manufacturer of tires in the world.”

“When he got back from WWII, he was racing and he blew out so many tires, retreaded and he started making his own, worked his way into a rubber company knowing the people there and started Hoosier,” said grandson Scotty Merrill.

It has been said that when it comes to work, the company Hoosier was Newton's first love. And Newton Park was a close second.

The Newtons are known for giving back to the community as the main donor behind Newton Park, Newton Center, and the Little Hoosier 100 Race.

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