PLYMOUTH, IN (June 13, 2007) -- On Wednesday, Hoosier Tire owners Bob and
Joyce Newton were honored at Plymouth Speedway for 50 years of service to the
motorsports industry. A record crowd was on hand to pay tribute to the Newtons
and the organization they have built into the world's largest race tire
manufacturer. And while Joyce was unable to attend due to recent back surgery,
she wanted the day to go on despite her absence. One of the many special guests
attending the celebration was 2-time Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart who took
time out of his busy schedule to attend.
The day began with a special 2-hour 'Lunch with Tony Stewart' for 100 lucky
fans. Although about an hour late arriving, Stewart explained he was late because
he had to see if he had a new teammate--referring to Dale Earnhardt,
Jr.'s decision to leave D.E.I.. Earnhardt announced earlier in the day he will
drive for Hendrick Motorsports and not Gibbs Racing (which Stewart drives for).
After lunch and an informal Q&A session, the gathering concluded
with an autograph session in which the gracious Stewart stayed until everyone
received an autograph.
Stewart's coming to Plymouth was the brainchild of
Hoosier's Irish Saunders. The unlikely pair met when Stewart was just a kid. It
was during that time the two became friends. Saunders also noted that he gave
the aggressive young driver the nickname "Smoke" for his (bad) habit
of spinning his right rear tire resulting in a plume of smoke.
It was also through Saunders that Stewart also met the Newtons and they, too,
became friends with the future star.
Stewart commented, "The reason why we're here
is because of the Newtons' dedication and them giving racers a chance. If it wasn't for them, I
would never have had the opportunity I did."
The luncheon had many special guests including all four of the Newton
children; Marge, Mary (Purvis), Terry and Don along with numerous other family
members.
Also attending the meal were Hoosier distributors and surprise guests Bobby
Summers and Mike Allgaier who took time out of their busy schedules to attend
the festivities.
Plymouth Mayor Gary Cook was also there commemorating the day as was Tony's father,
Nelson. The 69-year-old's presence provided one of the funnier moments of the Q&A session
when Tony was asked about whether he would be racing that evening.
Tony stated "I'm not (racing), but my dad, who is probably over there
working on his car, is,." quickly adding, "and he should be good for
about two cautions," quipped the younger Stewart.
When fans pointed out to the younger Stewart his dad was actually in the
room, Tony recovered quickly to add, "Well, he should
be over working on his car." which brought a roar of laughter from the
crowd--including the elder Stewart.
After lunch, Tony traveled from Plymouth to Lakeville to visit with Joyce
Newton for a few hours before returning to Plymouth Speedway for a night of
racing.
The newly-paved 3/8-mile Plymouth Speedway has had a remarkable
transformation thanks to the efforts of co-owners Tom Smith and Bob Blount.
Under their direction, the speedway is as nice a facility as you will find
anywhere in the Midwest.
The night concluded with a special 50-lap USAC race commemorating Hoosier's
50 years in racing. James Robertson of Indianapolis won the 'Hoosier Tire
Half-Century 50' race, while Kyle Hamilton of Danville (IN) and Eric Fehrman of
Greensburg (IN) also captured feature wins in 'Wednesday Night Thunder' action.
Between heat races and the three feature races, a special ceremony was
held at the finish line in which several awards were given to Bob and Joyce
recognizing their contribution to the community and to the racing
industry.
After receiving the 'Key to the City' Bob quickly asked, "Does this
work at the bank?" which brought another round of laughter in a day filled
with smiles.
The final award recognizing 50 years of dedication to the sport of auto
racing was from USAC. The award was presented by former USAC Triple Crown
winner Tony Stewart and Rollie Helmling--President of USAC.
Finally, Bob Newton addressed the crowd to express his appreciation.
"It's tough on a guy like me. You thank people for doing things, but to
me, this is just what I do." Newton added, "Because I'm humble, it's
hard to accept all the kind words. But people seem to appreciate what you do
and my family has helped--my family in
Plymouth
(at the plants) and my family in Lakeville (at headquarters).
Newton concluded, "Tony wears a Hoosier hat all the time and I'm really
proud of him. People like him are who help people like me. They're the
heroes."
Actually Bob, you and Joyce are the real heroes.
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