Hoosier co-founder dies

Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. co-founder Joyce Newton, the matriarch of the company, has passed away at the age of 85. “The thoughts and prayers of Hoosier Tire employees and Distributors are with Joyce’s family,” the company said in a statement.

Joyce, along with her husband Bob Newton, started Hoosier Racing Tire in South Bend, Indiana in 1957. They had grown the company they founded into the largest producer of race tyres in the world.

Bob and Joyce were great supporters of the community in numerous ways. The centrepiece of their giving was Newton Park ‘A Place for Kids’, a state-of-the-art sports complex started in 1999. Additionally, the Newton’s revitalized the old Lakeville High School turning it into a beautiful community centre.

Joyce’s late husband, Bob Newton, passed away in 2012. Joyce continued to successfully lead the company until 2016 when the family sold Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. to Continental Tire. According to the company’s statement, Joyce’s desire was to put the ownership in the hands of Continental who could continue to grow the business she loved and provide long term success.