CHRIS ECONOMAKI PASSES

The Dean of motorsport journalism, Chris Economaki, has  died at the age of 91.

The first legitimate motorsports journalist when he began covering the sport in the 1930s, he quite possibly was the last, as well.

Chris, a close friend of Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood, served as Grand Marshall at the 2000 IHRA World Finals at Rockingham.

“He set the standard for motorsports journalism. Chris Economaki’s  passion for motorsports and his influence on the sport were extraordinary. He defined  motorsport journalism and contributed to auto racing at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the industry whose impact and legacy will forever be part of all of racing”, Earwood said.

In 2007, NHRA presented Economaki with a lifetime media award at an NHRA event in Englishtown, N.J., honoring him for his passion and excellence in providing superior coverage of motorsports throughout many decades.

"The entire NHRA community is saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Economaki,” said Tom Compton, president, NHRA.  “He and NHRA founder Wally Parks were great friends, and Wally always appreciated Chris' efforts to recognize the power and intense competition of NHRA drag racing. He was a familiar face in the pits at NHRA events throughout the years and worked as a pit reporter for ABC's coverage of the sport in the 1960s and '70s. We send our condolences to his immediate family, his many friends and colleagues and his legion of fans in the world of motorsports."

In tribute of Economack, we present an episode of Wide World of Sports featuring drag racing.

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