Hoosier Racing Tire’s Newton Passes Away

Joyce Newton was 85.

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Lakeville-based Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. co-founder Joyce Newton has passed away. Newton, who founded the company in 1957 with her husband Bob, was also a prominent community leader in the St. Joseph County community.

Newton was 85.

Since its founding in South Bend, Hoosier Racing Tire has grown to be one of the largest race tire producers in the world, employing nearly 500. In 2016, the company was acquired by South Carolina-based Continental Tire. At the time, Newton said the acquisition would provide a stronger and more sustainable organization for the company. Hoosier Racing Tire continues to operate out of its Lakeville and Plymouth locations.

The Newtons were the driving force behind Newton Park "A Place For Kids," a sports complex opened in 1999. The couple also helped revitalize the old Lakeville High School into a community center. Bob Newton passed away in 2012.