Legend

The late Chris Economaki was widely regarded as the “Dean of American Motorsports Journalism,” earning that distinction over a career spanning multiple decades and racing disciplines. Born in Brooklyn to a Greek-American family and later residing in New Jersey, Economaki covered many of the world’s most significant races as a writer, broadcaster and pit reporter. Best known as the founder, editor, publisher and longtime columnist of National Speed Sport News for more than 60 years, his influence extended far beyond the printed page. Economaki was inducted into numerous motorsports halls of fame, including the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association Hall of Honor, the Eastern Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame and the National Motorsports Press Association Hall of Fame. He also received the NASCAR Hall of Fame’s Squier-Hall Award for his broadcasting work, much of it during the 1980s. That decade also saw Economakicontribute to IMSA broadcasts, including the 1989 Miami Grand Prix, where his distinctive commentary, colorful delivery and storytelling elevated the telecasts. A traditionalist to the core, he famously requested a manual typewriter from first-year Sebring International Raceway media director Ken Breslauer in 1986—a defining hallmark of media centers throughout much of his career. Watch the full 1989 race "live" on your YouTube channel this Sunday at 10am! #IMSAClassic