Rockford Speedway begins its last lap season

LOVES PARK (WIFR) - The Rockford Speedway has been a local staple for 76 years: home to thousands of races and thousands more memories.

The track begins its last lap season Sunday before permanently closing in November and hundreds of fans hope to make this season one to remember.

This comes after the Deery family, the speedway’s owners, sold the property in February, citing owner Jody Deery’s passing and area redevelopment as major reasons for the sale.

“We’re very proud to do what we’ve done,” says Rockford Speedway General Manager David Deery.

An exciting and bittersweet day at the Rockford Speedway as the track opens its doors for its 76th and final season Sunday.

“There’s a little bit of emotion tied to it, a lot of excitement,” says Deery.

Since the track opened in 1947, the Deery family couldn’t have imagined the profound impact the speedway’s had on the community.

“A lot of our competitors our fans are coming up to me and shaking my hand and thanking me and I say no, it’s all you guys that make this happen,” says Deery.

The Robinsons are some of those fans, a family whose lives revolve around the Rockford Speedway.

“I brought the kids here from the time they were born to sit up there in the car seat,” says Peggy Robinson.

Peggy’s husband John Sr. raced for several years and even won a championship, but it doesn’t stop there: John passed his passion for racing down to his five boys, all of which race or work in the pit, including Terrance.

“It’s a special spot for me,” says Terrance. “Now, my boy being 10 years old and getting him in the race.”

“It’s just been a family tradition every Saturday night,” says Peggy.

Terrance and Peggy are in the stands Sunday to watch Trevor hit the track as part of the 46th Annual Spring Classic.

“We’ve raced on other tracks. We go all throughout the Midwest but Rockford is always home,” says Trevor.

“It’s so family-orientated that it hits close to home,” says racer Jon Reynolds Jr.

As the Rockford Speedway starts its last lap season, racers and fans say the memories and relationships they’ve created are something they will never forget.

“We thank the Deery’s for everything they’ve done. They’ve been a huge part of the local community. It’s been a great run,” says Terrance.

You can view the 2023 season schedule here.