Speedway Motors is in the business of automotive aftermarket parts and racing parts – serving everyone from hobbyists to professional production shops. They started as a small performance parts retailer in Lincoln, Nebraska, catering to local car enthusiasts over 70 years ago.
Fast forward to today, Speedway has transformed into a global powerhouse, manufacturing, distributing, and retailing over 250,000 high-quality automotive and racing parts. With multiple distribution centers and retail locations across the U.S., the company has become a go-to source for muscle car, hot rod, and racing enthusiasts worldwide. They also own and operate the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska (worth checking out if you’re a car enthusiast.)
Overcoming Production Challenges
As demand for its products soared, Speedway Motors faced the challenge of scaling production to keep its warehouse shelves stocked. Initially relying on manual CNC programming for just two machines, the company needed a solution to boost efficiency, reduce errors, and support rapid growth.
Challenges they overcame:
- Manual Programming Constraints: Before 2009, manual G-code writing and Haas control setups for two CNC machines were slow, limiting scalability to meet rising demand
- Prototyping Inefficiencies: Multiple prototype iterations for new products risked errors, especially with tight tolerances
- Cycle Times and Tool Wear: Long milling cycles and rapid tool wear raised costs and slowed output
Increased Production by 300%
In 2009, Speedway Motors integrated CAMWorks with SOLIDWORKS. Read more about how CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS integrate.
This duo streamlined CNC processes, expanding the machine shop from 2 to 19 advanced CNC machines, including 5-axis mills and Swiss turning lathes.
The result? A 300% production increase. With CAMWorks VoluMill’s high-speed machining, they slashed cycle times and extended tool life, maximizing efficiency. They also streamlined their prototype process with a bi-directional integration between CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS and added a second shift to their workforce to increase production.
Key Wins for Speedway Motors:
- Expanded from 2 CNC machines to 19
- Increased production by 300%
- Grew workforce from 2 to 30 employees, adding a second shift
- Expanded to over 250,000 parts and added two distribution centers
“VoluMill high-speed machining drastically cuts down the length of cycle times, which enables us to mill more parts in less time. It also extends the life of a tool, whether a tool is made of aluminum or steel. In short, CAMWorks solutions are helping us to boost productivity and reduce costs in our manufacturing operations.”
-Lucas Prucha, CNC Department Supervisor at Speedway Motors
More CAMWorks Resources
By leveraging CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS, Speedway Motors not only overcame production bottlenecks but also set a new benchmark for quality and productivity in the automotive industry. With a fully stocked inventory and a knowledgeable technical support team, the company continues to deliver high-quality parts quickly and efficiently to customers worldwide.
Speedway Motors’ journey from a small speed shop to a leading manufacturer showcases the transformative impact of technology, and that there’s always room for improvement, no matter how efficient your business is. By embracing CAMWorks and SOLIDWORKS, Speedway has accelerated innovation, boosted productivity, and solidified its position as an industry leader, ready to meet the needs of automotive enthusiasts for years to come.
Interested in how other companies are using CAMWorks? Check out the RPG Offroad customer story. Read about the latest additions to CAMWorks or find out about the top add-ins for CAMWorks.
At Hawk Ridge Systems, we can help you save money on SOLIDWORKS and CAMWorks licenses and implementations. See our current deals on CAMWorks, or check out our other discounts and savings.
