The City of Loves Park, Illinois, has honored the late Jody Deery—the longtime promoter and owner of Rockford Speedway, the 1/4-mile asphalt short track in Loves Park. Deery is also the mother of PRI Track Ambassador Tom Deery.

City officials have designated Forest Hills Road—between Harlem Road and Illinois State Highway 173—the honorary name of Jody Deery Way. Honorary street signs were unveiled late last month with a special ceremony hosted by Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury and attended by members of the Deery family, multiple local and state elected officials, and supporters. 

In 1959, Deery and her husband Hugh were part owners of Rockford Speedway before becoming the sole owners in 1966. Following Hugh’s passing in July 1984, Deery became one of the first women to solely operate a racing venue in the US. She officially retired from day-to-day duties at the track in September 2020.

The track celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and is currently run by David and Susie Deery. 

For more information on Deery, visit her obituary here.