Collection of tributes on the passing of Chris Economaki

Statements on the passing of Chris Economaki

NASCAR Chairman And CEO Brian France on the passing of Chris Economaki

“The passing of Chris Economaki is a tough loss for me on both a personal and professional level, having known Chris throughout my life. 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.”

Chris Economaki

Photo by: Michael C. Johnson

INDYCAR and the world of motorsports have lost a true friend with the passing of Chris Economaki. 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.

Jeff Belskus, President Indianapolis Motor Speedway statement on passing of Chris Economaki

Economaki served as an editor, publisher and columnist for National Speed Sport News for more than 60 years. He also was a reporter and commentator for racing broadcasts on network television and radio, including coverage of the Indianapolis 500 for ABC and the IMS Radio Network.

In 2006, the Trackside Conference Room at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Media Center was renamed the Economaki Press Conference Room in honor of Economaki's legendary accomplishments.

"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."

Jim Campbell, US Vice President Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, Chevrolet

"Chris Economaki made an impact in motorsports like no other. He was a trailblazer in journalism, and his passion and depth of knowledge across the spectrum of world-wide racing brought the sport to life for millions of fans. His contributions have been endless, and he will be deeply missed. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Chevrolet and Cadillac Racing are with his family and friends."

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III on the passing of Motorsports Journalist Chris Economaki)

“I am saddened by the news of the passing of Chris Economaki. Chris was a pioneer in motorsports journalism. Through his tireless work on National Speed Sport News to his powerful voice on radio and television broadcasts, he made significant contributions to the growth of the sport. His passion for motorsports will be sorely missed. Daytona International Speedway extends its deepest condolences to the family of Chris Economaki.”

Soeedway Motorsports, Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith on the passing of legendary motorsports journalist Chris Economaki:

“Chris loved the racing business as much as anybody you’ll ever know. He was a great storyteller because he knew so much, and he’d seen so much. He was just so knowledgeable and must have visited nearly every race track in the world. He was a walking encyclopedia when it came to racing and probably knew more about motor racing than anybody who is alive today. It didn’t matter if it was open wheel, NASCAR or what happened at the local short track, Chris knew about it. He made it his business to travel all over the world and he saw it all. There was no form of motorsports he was not acquainted with.”

“He was a remarkable man. I enjoyed every moment I ever spent with him. We will miss him. I don’t know where you’ll ever find another Chris Economaki, but I wish we had more of him. He was a great reporter, a great writer and a great announcer. He was respected by everyone in the business, and he was just great for our sport.”

Tom Compton, President NHRA statement on the passing of Chris Econonmaki

"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 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.

Ryan Smith, American Le Mans Series:

Motorsports lost a giant this morning with the passing of Chris Economaki at the age of 91. The dean of American racing journalists, Economaki was the face of motorsports on ABC, CBS and ESPN, as well as editor, publisher and contributor for National Speed Sport News for more than 60 years.

Source: Statements received by Motorsport.com