By accessing/using The Crittenden Automotive Library/CarsAndRacingStuff.com, you signify your agreement with the Terms of Use on our Legal Information page. Our Privacy Policy is also available there.

Motorsports Icon Chris Economaki Passes Away

Topics:  Chris Economaki

Motorsports Icon Chris Economaki Passes Away

Tom Blattler
Ed Carpenter Racing
September 28, 2012

Motorsports Icon Chris Economaki Passes Away

September 28th 2012 - The Dean of American Racing Journalists, Chris Economaki, passed away today at age 91.

Economaki, the publisher of National Speed Sport News for decades, was the voice of auto racing in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s as a pit reporter and broadcaster of motorsports events on ABC-TV's "Wide World of Sports."

Economaki covered races from Indianapolis to Monaco and from Knoxville to Baja. The veteran writer was a "must read" with his famous weekly column in National Speed Sport News and was a trusted adviser to many of the sport's top executives in all forms of racing.

So respected was Economaki that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway named its media conference room after the legendary journalist.

Statement from Ed Carpenter Racing on Economaki:

"Chris Economaki was one of the most respected journalists to ever cover the motorsports industry. His knowledge of the sport and personality with drivers, owners, sponsors and fans gave North America a close-up view never seen before in racing. Chris helped expand the racing world to the average sports fan through "Wide World of Sports" and gave the racing fan inside information through his publication that no one else was able obtain. We saluted Chris for his magical words, both in print and broadcast. He is a true motorsports legend."