Image courtesy of Journal Star

In the world of performance automotive parts, there use to be a lot of places to walk in and buy a set of performance heads. With most of those brick and mortar speed shops going to the wayside, a few have emerged as mail-order speed shop leaders. The two most people know about is Summit Racing and Jegs. 

However, there has always been another name in the group, Speedway Motors. Their iconic purple coloring with yellow accents throughout the catalog and website made them stand out from the crowd. On the website and the catalog there was always a picture of the founder, “Speedy” Bill Smith, wearing his wide brimmed hat, and a big, warm smile. 

On Friday, May 30th, 2014 Speedy passed away at age 84, according to Journal Star. Going onto the Speedway Motors website, we see this was unfortunately confirmed. “This weekend Speedway lost our favorite racer, rodder and entrepreneur. Bill’s spirit, work ethic and passion for the industry lives on through his family, employees, and those that had the joy and honor of working with him,” states the Speedway Motors website. 

Bill started Speedway Motors back in 1952 at the young age of 23 years old. From its humble beginnings as a one man operation, it grew into parts warehouse over 500,000 sq. ft. in size. Speedway Motors is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

If you have thoughts or experiences about Speedway Motors, we’d love to hear them below! Speedway Motors would also like to hear them by e-mailing [email protected] 

Image courtesy of Speedway Motors