5 Minutes with Tim Matthews of the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed
“I cannot remember a time of my life when I wasn’t passionate about cars.”
That’s what Tim Matthews, the curator of the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, said when we started our conversation. It’s something you understand is 100-percent legit as soon as you meet Tim.
Tim grew up in a car family in South Dakota and before he had his license he was working on a ’64 Plymouth that he and his dad rebuilt, painted, and raced. Not only did he gain mechanical knowledge from the process, but even more about how cars can have a lasting impact on our lives and relationships.
Tim moved to Nebraska pursing a master’s degree in art and found himself in need of a summer job. Speedway Motors was nearby so he applied for what he thought would be a temporary customer service position but instead grew into a career surrounded by automotive archeology. When you combine a passion for all that is automotive, then sprinkle in history, Americana, pop culture, and a taste of BMX, you get Tim – and he wants to share it all!
Goodguys: Did you ever think you’d introduce yourself as the Curator of the Museum of American Speed?
Tim Matthews: It’s amazing where life can take you when you build a career around something you genuinely love. I consider myself incredibly fortunate, and it’s a privilege I never take for granted. The 14-year-old version of me would be shocked to know I’d have this opportunity.
GG: It seems like a gearhead dream job – what are some of your responsibilities?
Matthews: My responsibilities range from curating historic artifacts and designing exhibits to enhancing the overall visitor experience and helping shape the museum’s long-term vision. I serve as a consultant, researcher, and writer, sharing expertise on the cultural and historical significance of automobiles and related artifacts. At its core, my job is about preserving history, creating meaningful experiences for visitors, and inspiring future generations.
GG: When did you start at Speedway Motors, and what were your previous roles?
Matthews: I began with Speedway Motors nearly 21 years ago. Believing my time with the company would be short, I asked if I could work in the warehouse sorting bolts. Instead, I was hired to take parts orders over the phone. What began as a temporary job quickly became a passion. Over the years, I advanced through a variety of roles within the company, eventually becoming supervisor of the technical staff, then started teaching “History of Hot Rodding” classes to new employees. My enthusiasm for automotive history did not go unnoticed. As a result, I was given the opportunity to transition to the Museum of American Speed.
GG: What are some of the Museum’s newest galleries and attractions?
Matthews: We now house the largest and most comprehensive collection of land speed racing cars on public display anywhere in the world. Another exciting addition is the Unser Collection Galleries, the most comprehensive permanent display of Unser family racing. There is also the Herzog Motorsports Gallery, highlighting their impact on open-wheel racing and driver development. We increased the size of our drag racing and custom show car exhibits which include cars from the merged Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame Museum, and there’s a fantastic collection of cars on loan to us from Chip Foose. There are also more specialty galleries including exhibits focused on Pikes Peak competition, Sprint Cars, motorcycles, BMX, and the recently relocated and supersized International Model Car Museum. The model car museum alone is worth the trip to Lincoln!
GG: Do you still go hunting for cars and artifacts, or do most of them come to you now?
Matthews: One of the most rewarding aspects of working at the Museum is that it often feels like an Indiana Jones adventure. While more historic vehicles and artifacts find their way to us now, there is still a tremendous amount of research, relationship building, and logistical problem-solving involved in bringing these treasures home. Recently we uncovered a Dan Gurney Eagle Indy car hidden away in a barn under a tarp. We found a 1964 Dodge 880 convertible that once belonged to a legendary Nebraska football coach, then we received calls from actor Kurt Russell to create an exhibit featuring the cars from his childhood racing career in the 1950s. Something new and exciting happens every day.
GG: What can you share about any upcoming or in-the-works exhibits or vehicles?
Matthews: We are currently in the process of merging our drag racing galleries into one area, and are working on a “Golden Age of General Motors” display which highlights the dawn of the small block chevy and the cars it powered. If you love Tri-Five Chevys and early Corvettes this is for you and it will highlight a collection of cars donated to the museum by Joel and Lynette Janssen. We are also working on building a display for the Engine Builder’s Hall of Fame as well as revamping our sports car and SCCA displays.
GG: What are some of the Museum’s Americana and pop culture artifacts?
Matthews: The Museum is about much more than cars and engines. Whether someone is interested in racing, design, engineering, art, toys, music, advertising, or popular culture, there is something here that connects them to the larger story of America’s fascination with speed, innovation, and the automobile. The museum’s collections also include scale models, vintage games and pinball machines, petromobilia, automotive movie posters, tin toys, musical instruments, record albums, and an extensive array of car club memorabilia.
GG: What’s the connection between vintage BMX bikes and hot rods?
Matthews: Your bike was your hot rod. My BMX bike was the first place I learned what hot rodding is all about: taking something stock and making it better. I made it faster. I made it look better. It was where I learned firsthand about mechanics and craftsmanship. Most importantly, I learned that building something yourself creates a connection that’s hard to describe. As I became more involved in both the BMX and automotive worlds, I discovered that many of the people I admired in hot rodding shared that passion for BMX. People like Chip Foose, Steve Strope, Tim Strange, Darryl Hollenbeck, Dan Gurney, and many others all have strong BMX backgrounds.
GG: What’s in your garage? Any new projects?
Matthews: I have a baker’s dozen projects, but my favorite car is, without question, the one I recently bought back: my first car, a black ’64 Plymouth. It took 39 years, but I finally found it and brought it home. It is remarkably unchanged, just as my dad and I built it all those years ago. I touch her fender when I leave for work each day still in disbelief I got her back.
