The late Jody Deery, a remarkable figure who managed the Rockford Speedway well into her mid-90s, is set to be recognized as a NASCAR Home Track Hero this weekend. Advanced Auto Parts, as part of its initiative to spotlight difference-makers at NASCAR-sanctioned short tracks nationwide during the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, has chosen to honor Deery. Her legacy becomes even more poignant as the Rockford Speedway concludes its 76th and final season.
In its selection, Advanced Auto Parts highlighted Deery’s significant impact on the short-track racing industry, emphasizing her leadership and contributions. Despite a sport predominantly dominated by men, Deery stood as a positive influence, inspiring other women to become involved in racing. Her unwavering dedication to the sport and her role as a trailblazer for women in racing made her an exceptional choice for this recognition.
During the NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway, Ryan Blaney‘s No. 12 Team Penske Ford Mustang will proudly bear Deery’s name, honoring her legacy and contributions to the racing community.
This tribute coincides with the final scheduled event at the Speedway, marking the end of an era for the historic short track. Last weekend saw the conclusion of racing at this iconic venue, and this Saturday and Sunday, the Speedway hosts its final Steals & Deals swap meet and car show.
The Deery family, particularly Jody and Hugh Deery, are legendary figures in the local racing community. They took ownership of the Speedway in 1966, and after Hugh’s passing in 1984, Jody continued as its owner and operator with unwavering determination. Her legacy lives on through her children, all of whom played essential roles at the Speedway over the years. Even after Jody’s retirement in 2020, Susan and David, her children, continued to manage the business.
In 1994, Deery made history by becoming the first woman to receive the prestigious Auto Racing Promoter of the Year Award. Beyond her on-track achievements, she was known for her generosity and community spirit. Even after her passing, her legacy endures, evident in her generous bequests. She ensured that St. James Catholic Church and the Catholic Diocese of Rockford received an ownership stake in Deery Properties, the company set to redevelop the 76-year-old race track. Additionally, she gifted a combined total of $320,000 to 16 local nonprofits and organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the community she cherished.
Jody Deery’s recognition as a NASCAR Home Track Hero not only pays tribute to her remarkable achievements but also serves as a reminder of her enduring influence and the indelible mark she left on the racing world and her community.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who is Jody Deery?
Deery, the newest “Home Track Hero,” was a trailblazer for women in auto racing. Alongside her husband Hugh, she purchased Rockford Speedway in 1966 and remained an integral part of the track until the impressive age of 95. Her legacy as a pioneer in the sport will continue to inspire generations to come.
Who owns the Rockford Speedway?
Back in 1947, a group of seven investors, led by Stanley Ralston, built a track that would later become known as the speedway. Over time, Hugh Deery became a part of the team and eventually became the sole owner in 1966. After his passing, his wife Jody Deery took over the management of the track until her recent passing in 2022. Now, David Deery has taken the reins and is managing the track. The speedway opened its doors in 1948 as a midget car racing venue and has been a popular destination for racing enthusiasts ever since.
