5 replies to this topic

[SteelerDirtFreak]

By Jim Utter — jutter@charlotteobserver.com

Chris Economaki, known as the "Dean of American Motorsports," died early Friday morning. He was 91.

Economaki began selling single copies of National Speed Sport News at age 14 and eventually became the publication's editor - a position he held for 60 years.

Economaki next turned his attention and energies to broadcasting, covering several Indianapolis 500s, Daytona 500s, Formula 1 Grand Prixes and other motorsports events for "ABC Wide World of Sports" in the '60s. Two decades later, he moved on to CBS Sports and later contributed to ESPN and TBS motorsports programming.

Funeral arragements are incomplete.

For more information, read Economaki's obituary at National Speed Sport News here.

[mayorand1stladyofturn4]

We have lost a racing icon rest in peace Chris

[BillyJack]

Chris was absolutely the best there ever was! Back in the 70's, he used to do the color commentary and between-race interviews at the Knoxville Nationals. Those were the days before the World of Outlaws, so Knoxville was just a bunch of racers, many known only in their respective parts of the country, congregating in Iowa to take their best shot at the big (at that time) purse. His knowledge and recall were unbelievable and his wit kept the crowd entertained better than anyone I've heard behind the mic. RIP Chris! Bill

[JIMBALENTINE]

"Step right up Today ONLY come watch daredevils of the dirt oval defy and cheat death at every corner in a 50 cap competition of skill and bravery" THATS what promoting is all about!!!! and NO ONE did it better!!! godspeed Chris..I was honored to meet you in Hermitage Pa that day..... Jim

[tjtrackrabbit]

R.I.P. Chris. I use to live to get my NSSN. No body will ever equal what you did.

[Lukeracer]

A great loss for all of racing, a true giant in the sport. You just don't replace a person of his stature........RIP Chris, he will be truly missed............