OUR JOURNEY CONTINUED WEST with an overnight stop at the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Brimming with all things American car related and speed, this museum promises to be an amazing stop for both car and history buffs. Founded in 1992 by Bill & Joyce Smith of Speedway Motors fame, the 250,000 square foot museum can keep you exploring for an entire day with rooms filled with every era of American cars including the Indy Pace Cars, motorcycles, movie memorabilia, art and more.
This visit was made especially nice as we were greeted by curator Tim Matthews; and John MacKichan, museum host and former builder/racer, to view the museum’s display of a couple collections Polk Associates recently appraised. The Russell collection of quarter-midgets, the sport which Kurt and his three sisters participated in growing up in Southern California; and the Bonneville Salt Flats record-setting piston powered car, ‘Speed Demon’, by owner/driver George Poteet. To say this museum has something for everyone is definitely an understatement.
Jim with John MacKichan with his owner built and driven Salt Flat racer
Kurt Russell and his winning quarter midget race cars
George Poteet’s record-setting Salt Flat piston powered car, Speed Demon
A surprising discovery for me was Motordrome Riding! Who knew you could ride a motorcycle – parallel to the ground – along a wooden metrodrome!? I was in awe of these courageous women! If you’re rolling through Nebraska in an Airstream, the museum is a Harvest Host stop. Plan to make a day of it!
Next it was up and over the Rocky Mountains with a stop at my much-loved Maroon Bells outside Aspen, Colorado for a brisk hike and some downtime spent along the Colorado River before we made our way to Las Vegas, Nevada. While in Vegas, we celebrated both Jim’s birthday and Boonedocker’s start of his 15th trip around the sun. Happy birthday, boys!
October’s first snow (above) and a spring time view of the Maroon Bells
My happy birthday boys!
Camp Dawg 