Just about everyone involved in North American motorsports in the second half of the 20th century has a Chris Economaki story. Being a teller of stories, he would appreciate it.

Economaki, whose news writing, commentary and broadcasting career spanned more than seven decades, died Sept. 28. He was 91.

The editor of National Speed Sport News for 60 years, Economaki also was known for his work in television with ABC’s “Wide World of Sports,” on CBS and ESPN. He was a fixture at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Month of May, and his typewriter occupies a space in the main media room.

“INDYCAR and the world of motorsports have lost a true friend with the passing of Chris Economaki,” INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard said. “The Dean of American motorsports journalists, Chris dedicated most of his life to reporting the sport of auto racing and telling the stories of the heroes of our sport. He was truly one of a kind. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

He also was an analyst for the IMS Radio Network's coverage of the Indy 500 from 1995-2009 and its coverage of each U.S. Grand Prix at the Speedway.

"All of us at the IMS Radio Network are deeply saddened to hear the news of Chris Economaki’s passing," IMS Radio Network general manager Wally Leavitt said. "There never was and never will be anyone like Chris Economaki and the impact he had on motorsports journalism and all of us at the IMS Radio Network will miss him."

A member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America among others, Economaki appeared as himself in the racing movies “Stroker Ace” and “Six Pack.” His voice was also used in “Winning.”

“Chris Economaki meant a whole lot to my career," four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt said. "He saw me when I first started and he said I’d be the next one coming up who’d be a good race driver.  He wrote, 'You will read about this boy.'  I don’t remember if it was Ted Horn or who, but he compared me a couple times to these old greats, which I felt very honored.

"I think he respected me and I respected him. He was a good friend. I really enjoyed his stories and it’s a shame to see good writers like him pass on."

Economaki was preceded in death by his wife Tommye and is survived by daughters Corinne and Tina and two grandchildren. Services are pending.