Hot Rod Hotline was so sorry to hear about the loss of “Speedy” Bill Smith this past weekend.  He was a fixture i the hot rod and racing community, a pioneer, a competitor and friend to many. He will be sorely missed.

Born in Lincoln, NE, he first got involved with buying, building, racing and selling cars and bikes as a teen. He turned that passion into a business, opening Speedway Motors in 1952.  The business fluorished and Smith built a family run company that has become integral to the world of auto enthusiasts. 

He fielded hundreds of cars in different fields, and saw outstanding wins from many, including Doug Wolfgang’s championship at the ’78 Knoxville Nationals.

He’s been honored by everyone from SEMA, NSRA, Goodguys, IMCA to the USAC, and worked tirelessly to make rodding and racing accessible, affordable and safe.

He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, employees, and all of the members of the hot rod and racing community.

Speedway Motors is inviting anyone who would like to share thoughts, memories, and condolences to send them to [email protected].