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.