Chris Economaki, the Dean of American Motorsports Journalists, Dies

Chris Economaki, known as the Dean of American Motorsports Journalists, died September 28, 2012 at age 91. He was a charter member of the Advisory Committee for the Stock Car Racing Collection at Appalachian State University, and since his return to New Jersey had serve the group in an emeritus capacity. Stock Car Racing Collection curator Suzanne Wise remembers Economaki as a man who was passionate about good food and wine, was a consummate raconteur, and knew everybody worth knowing in racing. "His seal of approval helped validate the Collection in its early years, and he always took advantage of opportunities to promote it, including a nice writeup in one his columns in NSSN," she recalls.

Economaki's gravelly voice was recognized worldwide. He covered motorsports for ABC, NBC, and ESPN. He was for more than sixty years an editor, publisher, and columnist for the National Speed Sports News, a leading weekly racing newspaper.

He received many awards recognizing his contributions to motorsports journalism, including the NASCAR Award of Excellence and the NASCAR Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1994.

Economaki is survived by his daughters Corinne and Tina, and two grandchildren.

NASCAR Driver Cecil Gordon Dies

Cecil Gordon, a former NASCAR driver and team owner, died September 20, 2012 from cancer. Gordon, who competed primarily as an independent, drove in 449 Cup races, with 29 top five and 111 top ten finishes. His best year was 1971, when he finished third in the Cup standings. After retiring from driving, Gordon worked as a crewman for Richard Childress and Travis Carter teams. He is survived by his wife Elaine and four children.

Collection Curator Publishes Article on Racer Louise Smith

SCRC curator Suzanne Wise has contributed an article on racer Louise Smith to the book South Carolina Women: Their Lives and Times--Volume 3, published June 1 by the University of Georgia Press. Wise chronicles the career of the colorful driver, the first woman to be inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Smith, who specialized in modified racing, was known for her spectacular crashes. "I am so pleased to see Louise recognized along with respected educators, politicians, scientists, artists, and literary figures," said Wise. "She was a role model without being aware of it. She succeeded in one of the most male-dominated sports." The book is available at book stores and on Amazon.com.

Support the Stock Car Racing Collection in Honor or Memory of a Loved One

Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lee Johnson, Sr., long time friends of the Stock Car Racing Collection, have made a gift to the Collection in memory of their grandson, Colton Ayscue. The gift was used to purchase a book for the Collection, and a gift plate honoring Colton and his grandparents was placed in the front of the book. Thank you to "Mrs. Billie" and "Mr. Clarence." Several race fans made similar donations in memory of Dale Earnhardt at the time of his death. If you would like to honor or remember someone in this way, contact Suzanne Wise at 828-262-2798 or wisems@appstate.edu.

Collection Receives Donation of Raymond Parks Items

Mrs. Violet Parks, widow of racing pioneer Raymond Parks, has donated materials to the Stock Car Racing Collection. The items include clippings, event programs, and racing periodicals. The materials are currently being processed for use. A user guide will be posted on the Stock Car Racing Collection web page at http://www.library.appstate.edu/stockcar/index.html in the new few months.