As the NASCAR postseason wrapped up on November 4, 2023, at Phoenix Raceway, a true legend from Stateline was honored throughout the race. Even throughout the season, Advance Auto Parts put the spotlight on “Home Track Heroes” from across the country by featuring their names on the C-Post of Ryan Blaney’s No. 12 Team Penske Ford Mustang. In the thick of the championship battle at the Phoenix finale, Blaney’s car bore the name of Jody Deery for the ultimate race.

So, who was Jody Deery? She was the esteemed owner of Rockford Speedway, who left us at the age of 97 in 2022. Seeing her name on the winning car was a fitting salute to her legacy, especially as her beloved Rockford Speedway closed its final chapter the same week. At the time, Blaney didn’t know much about Jody Deery. But after discovering her profound impact on the racing world, the 2023 Champion recently sent a heartfelt video to the Deery family, which they shared on their official YouTube channel.

Ryan Blaney recently opened up about the inspiring presence of local hero Jody Deery during his championship race at Phoenix

In a touching video message, Blaney expressed his deep thanks to every fan who played a vital role in his championship journey. He gave a special nod to the late Jody Deery, the matriarch of Rockford Speedway – a remarkable woman known as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a local hero. As Ryan raced to victory, he felt Jody’s spirit guiding him, marking a defining moment in his career. He took some time to dive into Jody’s story, learning about her immense contributions to both the community and the racetrack. Ryan was clearly moved by her story, hoping to mirror her relentless drive and passion for racing, even into his 90s.

Ryan Blaney shared, “A huge shout out to all of you for playing such a special part in the championship race at Phoenix. It was truly an honor to have the matriarch of Rockford Speedway Jody Deary- mom grandmother great-grandmother and Local Hero watching over me as I won my first Nascar Cup Series championship.”

He continued, “And learning more about Jody and everything she did for the community and the racetrack, she truly seemed like an incredible woman. And I can only hope to have her drive and passion for racing when I’m in my nineties. Thank you again for nominating Jody for the Advanced Auto Parts home track Heroes program and for all the many years of success at Rockford Speedway. Wishing all a safe and healthy New Year.”

But what made Jody such a pivotal figure for Rockford Speedway? In the simplest terms, after the loss of her husband, she bravely shouldered the responsibility of the track, steering it through thick and thin.

Jody Deery’s journey with Rockford Speedway is nothing short of legendary

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Back in 1966, Jody and her husband Hugh took the reins of Rockford Speedway and poured their hearts into making it a top-notch short-track destination in the Midwest. Even after Hugh’s passing in 1984, Jody stood firmly by their vision. Under her watch, Rockford flourished with a lively weekly racing scene, right up until its last race weekend on Oct. 28-29.

The National Short Track Championships at Rockford kicked off the same year Jody and Hugh stepped in and became a magnet for top-tier drivers nationwide. Racing greats like Mark Martin, Dick Trickle, Jim Sauter, and Ramo Stott all tasted victory in this esteemed event.

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Susan Deery, who helmed Rockford in its final years, points to her mother’s generous spirit as the driving force behind her and Chuck’s decision to nominate Jody for the Home Track Heroes program. Jody was always Susan’s hero, from her childhood into her adult life, and the news of Jody’s name gracing the No. 12 car at Phoenix filled her with pride.

The recognition Jody received from the championship win of Ryan Blaney, opened Susan’s eyes to just how cherished her mother was, not only in Rockford but across the wider motorsports world.

Chuck Deery, Jody’s son, who also made his mark in the racing world as a track manager at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway for 36 years, shared the moment with his seven siblings before the race. It was a chance to reflect on the impact of their mother’s name being part of such a crucial point in Blaney’s career.

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Chuck couldn’t hide his joy, saying, “My cheeks hurt because I was smiling so much. For what my mom contributed to the sport, it’s hard to put into words what meant, but we’re definitely on cloud nine. Having a horse in the race was also good, so it was just fun.”