We were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Joyce Smith who was the co-founder of Speedway motors and the wife of “Speedy Bill” Smith. While we didn’t know Joyce personally, we were certainly aware of who she was and her role in the high performance industry. Joyce was one of the most respected and loved women in the entire industry and her vast level of experience with both hot rodders and racers on all levels remains nearly unmatched. As you’ll read below, if there was a show or race going on, chances are that Joyce was on the grounds somewhere with her trademark smile.

Speedway motors is an awesome American success story but event more so than that, it is an awesome family success story. The company was built by a husband and wife that both shared a vision and a dream. That vision and dream led them to places we’re sure they never expected to be six decades ago when they opened their first humble speed shop in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Joyce’s role as a mom, financial officer in the company, and foil to the equally as legendary “Speedy Bill” will long be remembered. By all accounts, she was an amazing woman who lived her life to the fullest extent every day. Please join us in sending the Smith family and the entire Speedway motors family our condolences.

Speedway Motors Remembers Joyce Smith, “Mrs. Speedway”

 The Speedway Motors family is mourning the loss of Joyce Smith, “Mrs. Speedway.” Joyce was co-founder of Speedway motors; wife of “Speedy” Bill Smith; mother to Carson, Craig, Clay and Jason Smith; and a great friend to an extended family of thousands of Speedway Motors employees, business associates and customers. Joyce died Sunday after a courageous 34-month battle with cancer.

Joyce Smith played an integral role in the Speedway Motors business since its inception in 1952. Fresh out of college, Joyce loaned her new husband, “Speedy” Bill, the $300 he needed to start the Lincoln, Nebraska-based speed shop. She worked alongside him for the next 61 years, initially serving as Speedway’s bookkeeper, parts runner and counter girl, and always as a financial officer, corporate secretary and treasurer.

Through the decades, Joyce provided crucial support to all facets of the Speedway Motors business. “Every step, every minute, every day, she’s been right there with me,” said “Speedy” Bill in his biography, Fast Company. “I could not have reached this point without her. Even if I had made it this far, it wouldn’t have been near as much fun without her. Joyce was the glue that held everything together.”

Joyce’s six-decade involvement with Speedway Motors earned her a wonderful reputation throughout the racing world and performance industry. She likely attended more races, car shows and trade shows than anyone in America. Since their inception, she walked the fields of Hershey, the aisles of SEMA and PRI, the pits at Daytona, and the lanes of nearly every NSRA Street Rod Nationals. Her tremendous impact on the automotive community was recognized in 2005 when she was honored with the Goodguys Woman of the Year Award. As the proud co-founder of the Museum of American Speed, Joyce was able to share her profound love of racing and rodding with future generations.

The Smith family is extremely grateful for the thousands of friends and fans Joyce has in the racing and street rodding communities, but has respectfully requested privacy during this emotional time. Funeral services will be private. A public celebration of life is scheduled for late September.

In lieu of flowers, the Smith family asks that friends share their memories of Joyce through a memorial at the Museum of American Speed:

Joyce Smith Memorial

Museum of American Speed

599 Oak Creek Dr.

Lincoln, NE 68528

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