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The 2012 year has ushered in a new era of celebrations, one of which marks a major milestone for “Speedy” Bill Smith’s Speedway Motors. Sixty years of anything is a significant achievement, and to consider a speed shop operating in the ever changing world of automotive aftermarket auto parts to continue operating as a family owned business for six decades is nothing less than astonishing.
Let’s consider how long ago 60 years really is. In addition to Speedway Motors opening their doors for business, these events happened in 1952:
- January 14 – Today premieres on NBC, becoming one of the longest-running television series in America.
- February 7 – Elizabeth II is proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom after the death of her father King George VI
- March 20 – The United States Senate ratifies a peace treaty with Japan.
- April 15 – The United States B-52 Stratofortress flies for the first time.
- June 19 – The Special Forces (United States Army) are created
- September 2 – Dr. C. Walton Lillehei and Dr. F. John Lewis perform the first open-heart surgery at the University of Minnesota.
- November 4 – Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower defeats Democrat Adlai Stevenson in the United States presidential election.
We may be hitting 60, but we’re still picking up speed. The best is yet to come!
Speedway Motors Celebrates 60 Years!
Special Events, Contests and Giveaways Will Commemorate Milestone Anniversary
If performance is measured from zero to 60, Speedway Motors is just hitting its stride.
Speedway Motors, America’s Oldest Speed Shop®, is celebrating its 60th Anniversary in 2012. Since opening its doors in 1952, Speedway Motors has supplied America’s racers, hot rodders and performance enthusiasts with the high-quality parts, personal service and expert advice to make their cars faster, safer and more fun.
“Speedy” Bill Smith (right) shows off a T-bucket roadster outside Speedway Motors in the 1960s.
Speedway Motors was founded by racer and hot rodder “Speedy” Bill Smith in a 20×20-foot storefront in Lincoln, Nebraska. “My customer base was pretty limited in those days,” Smith said. “It was tough going at first, but I was determined to pursue my passion for performance.” From those humble beginnings, Speedway Motors has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of parts for the racing and street rod markets and has played a vital role in the performance aftermarket’s growth from a cottage industry into a high-horsepower market force.
Speedway Motors will celebrate its historic anniversary with a wide range of contests, giveaways, events and activities. Vintage-style catalog covers reminiscent of the company’s 1960s offerings will be published throughout the year, with historic photos used to highlight different points in the company’s storied past. A 60th Anniversary open house is being planned for the summer, along with a 60 Days of Giveaways promotion featuring prizes from some of the performance industry’s top companies.
“Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith (center) work the Speedway Motors parts counter during the mid-1960s.
“It’s important for us to give back to the community of customers and friends who have helped us reach this milestone,” said Clay Smith, Speedway Motors’ president and one of “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith’s four sons. Each of those sons – including Carson, Craig, and Jason – is actively involved in this family-owned business.
While 2012 will be a great year to reflect on Speedway Motors’ rich history, company founder “Speedy” Bill Smith insists that it’s not a time to slow down. “We may be hitting 60,” Smith said, “but we’re still picking up speed. The best is yet to come!”
To learn more about Speedway Motors’ six-decade history, visit www.speedwaymotors.com/history. This page will be updated throughout the year with information on Speedway’s 60th Anniversary celebrations and contests. You can also keep track of anniversary activities on the company’s Facebook page.
