Chris Economaki interviews Cale Yarborough in victory lane. Economaki, known as the Dean of American Motorsports Journalists, passed away Friday morning at the age of 91. Photo by Robert Turner
Legendary motorsports journalist Chris Economaki passed away Friday morning.
For many race fans, Economaki was the face and voice of racing. He began his career by selling issues of National Speed Sport News at the age of 14, and would go on to become the editor of the publication for 60 years.
Economaki would work tirelessly to bring the news of the racing world to his readers in the pages of National Speed Sport, and would also work as a track announcer and later as a television commentator for ABC, CBS, and ESPN on NASCAR events, IndyCar events and Formula One.
“I hate to hear of Chris’ passing,” said racing historian Mike Bell. “He was the ultimate journalist that everyone not only in racing journalism but all of journalism should work the most at emulate. He asked the hard questions. He asked the relavant questions. He always knew more about the races he was covering than the racers themselves. His voice, ethics, humor and knowledge will be greatly missed.”
“The passing of Chris Economaki is a tough loss for me on a personal and professional level, having known Chris throughout my life, said NASCAR chairman Brian France. “Many people consider Chris the greatest motorsports journalist of all time. He was, indeed, “the Dean.” Chris was a fixture for years at NASCAR events, and played a huge role in growing NASCAR’s popularity. I’ll miss seeing him and of course, I’ll miss hearing that voice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughters Corinne and Tina and the rest of Chris’ family.”
Besides the above mentioned healthy nutrients, this fruits also contains calcium, Sulphur and oil, all of which hold extraordinary importance for growth; daily routine activities. Delivered in No Time When you buy goods online, there is the comfort part where you don’t have to go anywhere to buy the medicine with high price. It is because not only the elder man but the young one also facing sexual issue like erectile dysfunction. And their weight overnight viagra delivery pharmacy shop link shot up to healthy levels. “INDYCAR and the world of motorsports have lost a true friend with the passing of Chris Economaki,” said INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard. “The Dean of American motorsports journalists, Chris dedicated most of his life to reporting the sport of auto racing and telling the stories of the heroes of our sport. He was truly one of a kind. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
“Chris was the dean of motorsports journalism,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “His accurate, incisive reporting helped increase the audience of the sport and put the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, its events and competitors into the global spotlight. He set a standard for others to follow for generations and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Economaki is a member of numerous Halls of Fame, including the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame, the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, and the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. In 2006, the trackside conference room at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s media center was named in Economaki’s honor.
Economaki is survived by two daughers and two grandchildren. He as preceeded in death by his wife, Tommye.
Chris Economaki, known by many as “The Dean of American Motorsports Journalism”, was 91 years of age.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.