Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed announced today their plans for a 90,000 square foot expansion of their Museum at 599 Oakcreek Dr. in Lincoln, Neb. The $10 Million project will be completed in two phases commencing Fall 2021.
Recognized earlier this year as the #1 Attraction for Car Lovers in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice awards, Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is currently home to over 150,000 square feet of display space over three levels. The Museum was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive racing engine and speed equipment development and to preserve, interpret and display items significant in racing and automotive history. The Museum’s collection results from “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith’s personal involvement in racing and hot rodding, and their family’s lifelong passion for collecting and preserving racing and automotive history.
The Museum also features many other unique displays including the largest collection of vintage pedal cars, gas-powered miniature race cars, automobile-themed toys, automotive art, lunchboxes and more.
The Museum expansion will include new displays to showcase show cars from the Darryl Starbird Rod & Custom Hall of Fame Museum, race vehicles from the Herzog Motorsports Collection, and collector cars from Eric Zausner’s E.Z. Spindizzy Foundation, among many others.
The Smiths started collecting in the 1940s, prior to founding Speedway Motors in 1952. Speedway Motors has long been the title sponsor of the Museum of American Speed. Known as America’s Oldest Speed Shop, Speedway Motors is still a family-owned business run by Bill and Joyce’s four sons Carson, Craig, Clay and Jason Smith. To honor their parents, the Smith brothers have committed to match all contributions to the Museum in support of this expansion project. In addition to the in-kind contribution and donations of collections, the museum has received significant financial commitments from Herzog Motorsports, LeRoy Beyers and Speedway Motors.
“We are excited to expand upon the already popular Lincoln attraction and make it even bigger and better through the commitment from our owners and partnership with other museum supporters,” said Tim Matthews, curator Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. “The new addition will allow us to add enhanced displays for NASCAR, off-road racing and growing our already popular land speed, drag racing and custom show car displays. We also plan to add more interactive displays for youth and families making it an immersive experience for the whole family.”
Ayars & Ayars and Archi+ETC. have been selected for design and construction of the museum expansion. A ground-breaking ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 16 at 9 a.m. during Cars & Coffee.
For more information about Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, museum hours or displays, visit www.museumofamericanspeed.com.
