The Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, earned top honors in the 2025 Fans' Choice for Best Motor Racing Museum by Newsweek.  

The Museum of American Speed is a 501 (c) (3) private foundation founded in 1992 by "Speedy" Bill and Joyce Smith, owners of Speedway Motors. It was among 16 automotive museums across the country selected by Newsweek editors and voted on by the readers over a 28-day period to choose their favorite museum. The Museum of American Speed earned the most votes, scoring the number one spot as Newsweek Readers' Choice Winner for Best Motor Racing Museum. 

The Museum of American Speed is home to more than 250,000 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.

Earlier this year, the Museum announced the opening of the Unser and Herzog galleries in its new addition. 

"The new addition which opened in 2024 allowed us to add enhanced displays for NASCAR, off-road racing and grow our already popular land speed, drag racing and custom show car displays," said Tim Matthews, curator of the Museum of American Speed. "In addition to bringing the Unser collection together under the same roof we also added new displays, including Pikes Peak, Sam & Alice Hanks, Parnelli Jones, interactive displays, as well as enhanced designs for motorcycles, sprint cars, land speed and more." 

The Museum also features many other displays, including the largest collection of vintage pedal cars, gas-powered miniature race cars automobile-themed toys, fine art, lunchboxes and more, according to a company release.

"The collection is always growing through regular acquisitions, donations, and loans of special vehicles and engines," said Matthews.

The Smiths started collecting in 1952, the same year Speedway Motors was founded.

"We are proud the Museum of American Speed received this national recognition," said Clay Smith, president/owner of Speedway Motors. "I want to personally thank the passionate fans of our museum for their support and votes. We hope this honor encourages even more automotive enthusiasts to visit us in Lincoln." 

The Museum was also previously named #1 Attraction for Car Lovers in USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice awards in 2021. 

For more information, visit MuseumofAmericanSpeed.org.