CONCORD, N.C. — Sept. 27, 2012 — DIRTcar Racing is saddened to learn of the passing of Hoosier Racing Tire founder Bob Newton on Wednesday afternoon.
“Bob Newton has been a great friend of DIRTcar Racing since its inception, and we are deeply saddened he has passed away,” said Brian Carter, CEO World Racing Group, owners of DIRTcar Racing. “Bob was a tremendous businessman who understood the needs of our competitors and organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Newton family, as well as the family at Hoosier Racing Tire.”

“When Bob Memmer was creating UMP Racing 20 years ago, Bob Newton was the one guy willing take to the gamble with him,” said Sam Driggers, Director of DIRTcar UMP Racing. “The two of them really got it off the ground, and to see how far it has grown, and continues to grow, would not have been possible without Newton’s foresight way back when.”

Newton, 84, and his wife, Joyce, started Hoosier Racing Tire in 1957 and built it into the largest manufacturer of racing tires in the world. Hoosier is the primary manufacturer of tires for DIRTcar Racing competition.