Bill Smith, whose interest in racing spawned a world-renowned marketplace for racing parts, died Friday.
D. William "Speedy Bill" Smith was 84. Smith's death was announced Saturday by Bob Baker, executive director of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum, during induction weekend events in Knoxville, Iowa.
Smith was a 2000 inductee of the hall of fame, one footnote in a legendary career that coupled hobby with business.
Speedway Motors, the company he founded in 1952, is not only America's oldest speed shop but ranks among the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of parts for racing and street rod markets.
The Speedway Motors campus in west Lincoln includes the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed.
Sad, sad news. He and his wife Joyce were SO close, really it's not that surprising- she was not behind the scenes, but rather a huge part of the business they built together and rarely seen apart. I was lucky enough to meet and talk to the man two different times on two different Hot Rod Power Tours (one being the "kick off" event where they simultaneously opened the very impressive museum), and once at Columbus Ohio GoodGuys show. I surely hope that everyone involved, carries on the business to honour their legacy.
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"If I could get back all the money I've ever spent on cars...I'd spend it ALL on cars !!!
Also had fortunate experience to visit Speedway and museum as well..amazing place.I did not meet Bill,but have never heard a bad thing about him or his business.Hopefully the legacy will continue,gods speed "Speedy Bill".
