Legendary voice of motorsports, known for his enthusiastic commentary and in-depth reporting on auto racing events.
Chris Economaki was a pioneering American motorsports journalist, publisher, reporter, and commentator known for his immense contribution to the growth of American motorsports from a niche endeavor to a mainstream pursuit. With a career spanning over five decades, Economaki was the editor, owner, and publisher of the National Speed Sport News, a publication that was considered Americas Weekly Motorsports Authority.
Born on October 15, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, Economaki was exposed to the world of racing at a young age. His father, a Greek immigrant, and his mother, a great-niece of Robert E. Lee, instilled in him a passion for the sport. Economaki's first racing experience was at the age of 9, when he attended a race at the board track in Atlantic City. This exposure sparked a lifelong passion for motorsports, and he soon found himself hanging around and helping out famous drivers at the famous Gasoline Alley in Paterson, New Jersey.
Economaki began his career in auto racing journalism at the tender age of 13, selling copies of National Auto Racing News newspapers. A year later, he wrote his first column for the same publication, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in motorsports journalism. In 1950, Economaki became the editor of the National Speed Sport News, where he wrote a column called "The Editor's Notebook," which he continued to write for over 50 years.
Under Economaki's guidance, the National Speed Sport News became the go-to publication for motorsports enthusiasts across America. The newspaper was renowned for its in-depth coverage of the sport, and its weekly issues were eagerly anticipated by fans and professionals alike. Smokey Yunick, a legendary engineer and racing team owner, referred to NSSN as the "bible of racing."
Economaki's contributions to motorsports journalism were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the NASCAR Award of Excellence, the Indy 500 Oldtimers' Foundation's "Life Time Achievement Award," and the Eastern Motorsport Press Association's "Phillip Morris Award."
Chris Economaki's legacy extends far beyond his own achievements. He played a significant role in popularizing motorsports in America, and his dedication to the sport helped pave the way for future generations of racers, journalists, and fans. His influence can be seen in the growth of motorsports as a mainstream pursuit, and his contributions to the sport continue to inspire and motivate those involved in the industry.
"It was a really frightening experience. That was the first and last time I drove in competition." - Chris Economaki, on his brief stint as a racecar driver
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