Ford mourns death of Spirit of Ford honoree Chris Economaki

Chris Economaki passed away early Friday morning at the age of 91. Economaki received numerous awards during his groundbreaking career, including the highest racing honor that can be bestowed at Ford Motor Co. He was presented the Spirit of Ford Award in 1990, which goes to a person who has made significant contributions on and off the track to the sport of auto racing.

Below are comments from Edsel B. Ford II, member, Board of Directors, Ford Motor Co. and Kevin Kennedy, director, Ford Racing Communications.

Statement from Edsel B. Ford II:

"All of us at Ford Motor Company are sorry to hear of Chris Economaki’s passing last night. He was an icon of the sport of auto racing and a familiar, knowledgeable face and voice to millions of race fans around the world. His influence on the growth of auto racing in the United States cannot be underestimated. National Speed Sport News covered everything from the greatest drivers around the globe to the local short trackers who competed for their families and fans around this country. Chris respected and loved them all, and they loved him back."

Statement from Kevin Kennedy, director, Ford Racing Communications:

"Chris' passing marks the end of a great era of auto racing and how it was covered in this country. He truly loved the sport, probably more than any journalist I knew, but he also loved the people who made up the sport, and was quick to tell a great story, say a kind word to those new to the sport, and hold court on any subject the sport could dish out. I'll miss that great voice, and the fabulous stories, the Monday morning calls as he was finishing his weekly column, and, of course, the manual typewriter that every media center kept for him. His influence on the media, and the PR people who work in the sport, will never be matched."

Source: Ford Racing