Candies family herds ‘em up at Texas Motorplex

The Agent found some photos stuck into an old cowboy boot on the Phlegm Building second-story penthouse porch this morning. The Paul Candies family brought their four Mustangs to a test session last week at the Motorplex. Now that is a handsome herd of ponies! [9/28/2012]

Racing journalist Chris Economaki dies

The Dean of motorsport journalism, Chris Economaki, died Thursday, Sept. 27,  at the age of 91.

He was arguably the first legitimate motorsports journalist when he began covering the sport in the 1930s. Economaki began selling single copies of National Speed Sport News at age 14 and eventually became the publication’s editor, a position he held for 60 years. His “Editor’s Notebook” column was a must-read for racers, fans and industry leaders.

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 he was one of the pioneers in bringing racing to television. Here he is broadcasting from Indianapolis back in the 1970’s. (Tom Schiltz file photo)

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1920, Economaki spent his childhood in Ridgewood, N.J., and saw his first race at the Atlantic City board track when he was 9 years old. Although his emphasis was on oval track racing, he also was knowledgeable of drag racing. [9/28/2012]

Economaki was a close friend of Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood and served as Grand Marshal at the 2000 IHRA World Finals at Rockingham.

“He set the standard for motorsports journalism. Chris Economaki’s passion for motorsports and his influence on the sport were extraordinary. He defined  motorsport journalism and contributed to auto racing at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the industry whose impact and legacy will forever be part of all of racing,” Earwood said.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Tommye, and is survived by his two daughters, Corinne and Tina, and two grandchildren. Arrangements are pending. [9/28/2012]