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ECONOMAKI
Chris, The Dean of American Motorsports Journalism, who began selling single copies of National Speed Sport News at age 13 and eventually became the publication's editor, a position he held for 60 years, died September 28, 2012 at age 91.
His column, the Editor's Notebook, was the most read feature in National Speed Sport News for six decades, and while Economaki's contribution had been minimal in recent years, the Notebook, as it is called by readers, continues to be the most meaningful read in the newspaper, which debuted in 1934 when Economaki was 13 years old.
Economaki was also well known for his unique, recognizable voice, which he used first as a track announcer and later through nearly 40 years on television.
He worked with ABC's Wide World of Sports, he was with CBS and ESPN, and it can be said he was one of the catalysts in bringing racing to television. It is not an oversimplification to say he knew racing and knew how to speak about it.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1920, Economaki's father was a Greek immigrant and his mother was a great-niece of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Economaki spent his childhood in Ridgewood, NJ, and saw his first race at the Atlantic City board track when he was 9 years old.
He was hooked and by his 14th birthday he was a fixture in the racing world. Economaki sold his first copies of NSSN at Ho-Ho-Kus Speedway in northern New Jersey when he was 13. Papers sold for a nickel and Economaki got to keep a penny.
"I sold 200 papers," Economaki recalled. "That was $2. An incredible amount of money in 1934."
Economaki soon began writing his own column, known then as Gas-O-Lines, while continuing to peddle newspapers.
Much of Economaki's knowledge about racing cars - and people for that matter - was acquired during 1938 and 1939 when Economaki traveled the Eastern half of the United States as a "stooge" [mechanic] for legendary midget racer Duane Carter.
"He would pay me $15 a week when he could, which was rarely," Economaki liked to say when recalling his days busting his knuckles and learning "tricks of the trade."
After serving in the Army during World War II, including a stint in the European Theater of Operation, Economaki returned to New Jersey and rekindled his passion for auto racing, selling newspapers and announcing at race tracks throughout the East.
"I had guys selling them for me. I was selling 700 to 800 copies a week. Business was excellent," Economaki said. "One weekend, I can't remember where I was, it was 1947, I sold a lot of papers on a Friday night, and Saturday night 50 miles away at another track, with even more people, I sold fewer than 100, and I couldn't understand that.
"It dawned on me that the difference was the announcer."
So began his career as a track announcer.
After more than a decade announcing at tracks and working as editor of NSSN where he took the reins in 1950, Economaki got his big break when NASCAR founder William H. "Big Bill" France recommended Economaki be part of ABC's first telecast from Daytona Int'l Speedway in 1961. Prior to that, Economaki had announced the famous beach races in Daytona for France.
Economaki worked races around the world for ABC through the 1983 season when he made the jump to CBS where he appeared through the mid 1990s. He also worked worldwide Formula One telecasts for ESPN in 1987 and 1988.
"If he wasn't aware of you, you simply were not a factor in the sport," World Driving Champion, Indy 500 and Daytona 500 winner Mario Andretti said in 2004. "If you weren't on Chris Economaki's radar screen, you probably weren't on anybody's."
And that feeling was common throughout the motorsports industry.
In recent years, he continued to appear occasionally on Speed and more regularly on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. All the time he continued to write the Editor's Notebook and promote what had become known as "his" newspaper.
Through the years Economaki has received countless awards including the NASCAR Award of Excellence, and been elected to numerous Halls of Fame, most notably the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.
Economaki appeared as himself in the racing movies Stroker Ace and Six Pack. His voice was also used in Winning.
He was preceded in death by his wife Tommye and is survived by his two daughters - Corinne Economaki of Davidson, NC, and Tina and husband Jeff Riedl of Midland Park, and two grandchildren; Alexis and Christopher Riedl.
Visiting Hours will be Monday, October 1st from 4-8 PM at Church of the Nativity, 315 Prospect St., Midland Park. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, 10:30 AM at Nativity Church, with interment to follow in Valleau Cemetery, Ridgewood. Arrangements entrusted to Feeney Funeral Home, Ridgewood.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Chris Economaki's name to the International Motor Racing Research Center, 610 South Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. www.feeneyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Economaki family and friends. I am truly sorry to hear of your loss of your loved one. May constant Prayer and our Heavenly Father and fond memories of Mr. Chris comfort you as you go thru these difficlt times.-Psalm 65:2.
Lynn Harmon
February 2, 2013
We will always remember meeting you at The "500"Motel Lounge, and we will miss hearing your great voice.
Jim and Donna Brett
October 8, 2012
Condolences to the family. I will never foget that voice. Rest in peace and love with our LORD.
Mary Jane Reed
October 7, 2012
Sending you love and prayers through this difficult time. May your sorrows turn to the fond and happy memories soon.
Sandy
October 6, 2012
You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace for your family during this challenging time; and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again in paradise. John 17:3
October 6, 2012
Condolences to the Economaki family. My wife and I, had the honor and pleasure, of a dinner with Chris some 9 years pasted. As a guest of Steve Earwood and his family, we were regaled with motor-sports, and personal stories. An evening that is permanently etched in my memory. Rest in Peace...John and Brandee Cox Reno, NV
John Cox
October 4, 2012
It is because of Chris way back in the early sixties, that I have been a follower of ALL things motor racing. Thank You and God Speed
Timothy Vallo
October 3, 2012
"Editor" Chris, Rest In Peace. You were the best! Thanks for all your hard work.
We enjoyed every minute of it !
Alan Liebl
October 2, 2012
Chris & Jim McKay made the Indy 500 a can't miss event .They don't make them like those guys anymore.You will be missed.God Bless!
John Bradwell
October 2, 2012
Lub-a-luba
Purple lips Bean
October 2, 2012
God Speed Chris! Mark Runyon
Mark L. Runyon
October 2, 2012
You will be sadly missed
Jr. Myers
October 1, 2012
My condolences to the family of Chris. May the God of all comfort be with the family.
Roy
October 1, 2012
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Harry Simpson
October 1, 2012
I made friends with Chris when I was racing with Tiny Lund. He was a true gentleman. Regards, Tubby Crosby
H G tubby Crosby
October 1, 2012
My condolences to Chris' family. He will certainly be missed. May you draw peace and comfort from his memory.
October 1, 2012
His voice has been silenced but it will linger in our ears for years to come. Rest In Peace Chris!
B. Cross
October 1, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stewart Thomas
October 1, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.All of us at Solution Finish loved to here THAT voice he was Racing to us.
chris west
October 1, 2012
Offering my deepest condolences during this difficult time, I'm so very sorry for your loss, death is something we are never prepared for, but please find comfort in knowing God has promised He will do away with sickness, pain and death for His word is truth.
October 1, 2012
My sincere condolences to the Economaki family. Our heavenly Father is a refuge and strength for us during our distresses-Psalm 46:1-Erma L. Davis, Park Forest, IL.
October 1, 2012
good bye chris.thank you for all memories
ron comfort
October 1, 2012
He introduced me to motorsports and made is very enjoyable.
October 1, 2012
A great voice on ABC and a legend for the motorsport aspect of racing. Rest in Peace.
October 1, 2012
I send my sympathy to the Economaki's, Chris was one of a kind, there will never be another one like him. His iconic voice will never be forgotten, as well as his style of reporting as well. Chris was truly racings "Carnival Barker". I can imagine he's up their in heaven, right now trying to get his next story. God Speed Chris Economaki.
September 30, 2012
i can still hear his voice right next to jim on the wild world of sports, my condolanceses to his family.thanks for the him for the exitment of race reporting
howard parry 111
September 30, 2012
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
joe myers
September 30, 2012
I have been researching the AAA midget races in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1938. Chris was very kind to allow me access to his collection for information. My uncle Jack Morrissey and Chris sold the the Bergen Hearld racing supplement at the local tracks when they were teen agers We had a pleasant conversation at Hinchliff Stadium two years ago when he viewed the restored "White Phantom", Driven by Bill Morrissey. Chris helped to load the cars on the S.S. Argentina in 1938 and had fond memories of the racers and mechanics of "Gasoline Alley" in Paterson,NJ. Chris never forgot these early years and the people involved. God Bless him and my he rest peacefully to the roar of the mighty midgets.
Richard Pender
September 30, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the family
Wiley and Mary Younce and family
St Simons Island, Ga
Mary Younce
September 30, 2012
Chris was an icon to NASCAR..........
Condolences to his family
Bruce Hux
September 30, 2012
i will forever hear the sound of his voice in my mind. tl conkle wichita ks
terry conkle
September 30, 2012
You will be missed buy your voice will be forever heard. Thank You for the wonderful memories.
Jerry Stewart
September 30, 2012
Remember listening to him announcing races at Dover Speedway in NJ and had an interesting conversation with him at Amelia Island Concours .Always ready to talk to anyone about the sport.Godspeed
Ed Neighbour
September 30, 2012
As a little kid, watching on TV, I was always worried that he was standing too close to the track and was going to get hit by a car.
Tim
September 30, 2012
godspeed the racing world has lost a legend
September 30, 2012
He was dedicated to the World of Nascar and his voice brought the sounds of the tracks into so many lives...fans of his. I will always count him as a portion of my proud Southern heritage that means so much to me and sooo many others....May God comfort his family and friends as they recall special memories of their time together.
Button Benton Boyd
September 30, 2012
I grew up listening to you and marty glickman call fb games in the nyc area. you were great. my condolences to your family.
jim griffin
September 30, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you. Romans 15:33
September 30, 2012
Go with "God's Speed" Chris. We will miss you.
Tom Boesman
September 30, 2012
Mr. Economaki has certainly left his imprint on the motor world. May the family find comfort by looking to the future with confidence that you are not alone. Our Creator is described as being the "Hearer of Prayer." May you feel comforted knowing that he knows your pain and is there for you.
September 30, 2012
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
September 29, 2012
I am sadened by the passing Mr. Economaki, I can remember with great fondness a time of wacthing the races when I was a kidd with my father and seeing andb hearing him on the tv. Hearing his voice has alway brought back the fond memories of those days and will always. Good Bye and Gog Bless
September 29, 2012
The Best Motorsports Writer Ever..period R.I.P. Chris
Don Conley Sr.
September 29, 2012
The racing community has lost a legend.I like a lot of fans grew up and learned racing from Mr Economaki.and I love the sport because of him.My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ronald Betts Sr
September 29, 2012
Rest in Peace
Biltcliffe Don
September 29, 2012
My condolences are with your family during your time of grief. Mr. Economaki will be missed but not forgotten.I know that the God of peace
and comfort will be with you during your loss.(Phil.4:7)
Sarah Hall
September 29, 2012
I grew up listening to Chris and learned so much about racing from him. R.I.P.
dan gillen
September 29, 2012
Chris will surely be missed but his knowledge of racing over the decades will always live through his work that he did over the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Eastern Museum of Motor Racing
Lynn Paxton
September 29, 2012
Rest in Peace.
Sandra
September 29, 2012
Thanks for all the great memories, Chris. You were the best! Rest in Peace, our friend!
John & Sandra Sours
September 29, 2012
I enjoyed hearing Chris way back when he was on ABC's Wide World of Sports,and on other racing broadcasts. He will be missed.I pray God's peace and comfort on his family.
Bill Henderson
Danville,Va
September 29, 2012
Editor's Notebook in NSSN was always a must read. Glad I'll be able to hear your voice in my mind as I re-read "Let 'Em All Go!" RIP Chris.
David Leeth
September 29, 2012
Chris all those Sunday dinners we enjoyed when you walked across the street with that bottle of wine that you and Denise enjoyed while I fixed Sunday dinners and that great failure we had trying to make Yorkshire Pudding at Christmas will be remembered for the good times. Heaven is a great place for a great person!
Tina & Corrine enjoy the history and look forward to the future.
Our Best
John & Denise - Charlotte, NC
John Szabo
September 29, 2012
Chris, you gave me my 1st job 45 years ago at Langhorne Spdwy. Selling Speed Sport. It put me in a great direction. Always enjoyed speaking with you at the track. Rest in peace, you're a hero to many. Gods Speed!?
Jim Lynch
September 29, 2012
Rest in peace Chris. You were one of the true pioneers in 'our' sport.One could trust in your words,No fancy flourishes,just truth in your reporting.We have lost a true friend of racing.
Barbara Durbin
September 29, 2012
HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST ,THERE WILL NEVER BE ANY ONE TO FILL HIS SHOES ,I WILL MISS mr chris. he was the best , r.i.p. chris .
PEGGY SAVAGE
September 29, 2012
Was a huge fan......r.i.p. chris
dan
September 29, 2012
It was my pleasure to have known Chris for many years. It is a great loss to all of us who enjoy the sport of racing.
Stuart Colvin
September 29, 2012
You were the best! Give all the racers in Heaven a hard time.
Tim Delrose
Joliet, ILL
September 29, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Chris was the voice of auto racing that I will always remember.
Ray Perkins
September 29, 2012
RIP
James Crest
September 29, 2012
Met this gentleman in 1989 at a Super Car race in Mexico City. Very nice, you will be missed.
Kenn
September 29, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, may all Chris's memories stay close to your hearts. Psalms 46:1 joanna
September 29, 2012
Chris Economaki was the epitome of what a sports commentator should be.True professional. Condolences to his family and friends. Gone but not forgotten.
Dennis Patterson
September 29, 2012
Rest in Peace Chris Economaki.
Mike
September 29, 2012
Oh how I loved listening to you on TV. You made racing so much more exciting. Thanks for your contagious passion for racing!! A fan of your, Annette
September 29, 2012
I LEARNED TO LOVE NASCAR AS A 13 YEAR OLD KID IN 1968 LISTING TO THE RADIO AND READING STOCKCAR MAGIZINE AND GOING TO THE DIRTTRACKS IN GA. WITH MY FATHER. HIS VOICE WAS NASCAR THEIR WAS HARDLEY ANY TV COVERAGE JUST MR ECONOMAKI AND THE MONDAY NEWSPAPER TO GET THE STOREY.THANK YOU A STOCKCAR FAN
FOR MANEY YEARS.
DANNY THURSTON
September 29, 2012
God will hold you close and protect you, Chris. We'll miss you!
Mike B
September 29, 2012
An amazing sports announcer who's voice I can vividly remember when watching Indy car races with my Dad.
Mark Stage
September 29, 2012
RIP we will miss you on tv.The pray is with the family. god bless your family
leon monnin
September 29, 2012
Rest in peace Mr. E. You brought class to everything you were associated with.
Dave Johnson
September 29, 2012
He did his thing.
May GOD keep his soul in the
palm of his hand.
Bro. Bill Frazier
September 29, 2012
I'll always associate the distinctive voice of Chris Economaki with the NASCAR races on TV. He was truly a pro in the world of motorsport reporting and broadcasting.
Les Breese
September 29, 2012
Gone but never forgotten, God bless you rest in peace and thank you for the memories!---John Micco FL.
John Decaneas
September 29, 2012
My condolences to the family of Chris. My late husband Wally Campbell thought the world of him. Sincerely, Theresa Campbell
Theresa Campbell
September 29, 2012
To the the family of Chris Economaki - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
September 29, 2012
The racing world has lost a tremendous reporter and storyteller. He brought auto racing to the national spotlight at a time when it was largely local and regional. Our sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.
Harry & Lucille VanDusen
September 29, 2012
Chris is really missed, he had the heart of racing, just last Friday when climbing the steps at Charlotte Motor Speedway from the track up to the inner grandstands, I remembered Chris walking slowly ahead of me a few years ago, told myself to call him, missed that chance, sad, a really decent man with great compassion, Tom Fraser
September 29, 2012
My husband said it perfectly-"his voice sounded like racing"...RIP
Mary Macaluso
September 29, 2012
One of the great names in Racing! RIP Chris
Don McPeak Sr.
September 29, 2012
RIP Chris. Racing was part of your life. Now your in the winners circle with god
Paul
September 28, 2012
I have many fond memories of your racing days, including working radio broadcasts with you, including that road course in Augusta in the earlt 60's..Your contributions to racing will never be forgotten...and my memories of knowing and working with you will last forever...God Bless
Eael Kelley
September 28, 2012
Thanks Chris and family for inlightening us all with your joy of motorsport and sharing that with us drawing us in so well Gods speed .
Jerry Mogg
September 28, 2012
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear loved one. May "The God of all comfort" bring your family peace during this time. 2 Cor.1:3
M. Williams
September 28, 2012
God bless And God speed we will miss you Chris.
David Quick
September 28, 2012
Thank you for your pioneering work in motorsports broadcasting. You brought us news back in the "dark ages". RIP friend.
Thomas Payne
September 28, 2012
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