CONCORD, N.C. — After 14 years, Tom Deery has resigned as Chief Operating Officer of the World of Outlaws and DIRTcar Racing and is no longer with the company.
Deery joined the organization, which operates under the World Racing Group banner, in February 2006 and led the group through a vast expansion of its business. World of Outlaws and DIRTcar officials confirmed the news to SPEED SPORT late on Thursday afternoon.
“With immediate effect, Tom Deery has resigned from his position as COO of the World of Outlaws and DIRTcar Racing and he is no longer with the company. Tom joined the organization in February of 2006 and has made countless contributions during his tenure. His passion and devotion to the business of motorsports has always been clear and we wish him the best in his future pursuits.
“On an interim basis, World of Outlaws and DIRTcar CEO Brian Carter will lead all competition aspects of the business. World of Outlaws and DIRTcar CMO Ben Geisler will add oversight of event operations and promotions to his list of responsibilities. This is a personal matter for Tom and a personnel matter for our organization and as such we will not be making any further comments.”
SPEED SPORT reached Deery by phone late and while he was unwilling to address details of the split, he was reflective of his days working with the World Racing Group, World of Outlaws and DIRTcar organization.
“I guess the World Racing Group statement sums it up,” he said. “I am reflecting back on all the great accomplishments we had through the years and looking down the road at the next great opportunity.”
SPEED SPORT asked Deery what he was most proud of during his tenure with WRG.
“That’s a great question,” Deery said. “The growth in the event side of our business and the stability to our 410 side of the business, actually that is such a tough question, I am really proud of everything that we did because I think we all worked very hard to accomplish a lot of things. The proof is now in the pudding and that is pretty evident.”
Deery is certain his future lies in the short-track industry.
“I still hold a high passion and interest for short-track racing and racing in itself. I doubt I will be far from that theme,” Deery added. “I hope the next opportunity presents itself within that same universe.”
Deery, whose family has promoted Rockford (Ill.) Speedway for more than six decades, has held numerous jobs in motorsports, including a stint with NASCAR from 1996 through 2001.