7 Decades of Speedway Motors Carson, Craig & Clay Smith | 25

Growing up at a speed shop doesn’t give you the “normal” childhood.

And when your parents were Bill and Joyce Smith, founders of Speedway Motors, your life looks radically different than most kids. Whether it’s piling parts in the rafters, sitting at a table with Carroll Shelby, or driving an Excalibur back to Lincoln, Nebraska, from Virginia, life comes at you fast.

That was life for Carson, Craig, Clay and Jason Smith, the four sons of Bill and Joyce Smith. They were there from the beginning and watched Speedway Motors go from humble beginnings, dodge disaster, and become the speed shop it is today. For our 70th Anniversary episode, we talk to Carson, Clay and Craig about the history, growth and future of Speedway Motors. Jason passed away in 2021 joining Bill and Joyce, but we continue to celebrate his passion for racing, dedication to our customers, and the forever impact they all had on our company, community, and family.

We hear from the three brothers about Bill and Joyce, the early days of Speedway Motors and the Lincoln hot rodding community that sprang up around the local Air Force base. The brothers share about how the Museum of American Speed began and the importance of preserving automotive history. Finally, each brother shares about the most important aspect of Speedway Motors – customers like you, and how your passion for cars has fueled the automotive community from the beginning.