INDIANAPOLIS — Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Chris Economaki.

One can almost imagine the blank expression on the faces of countless young people in racing as they look up from their phone: “Chris who?”

Alas, the world changes. But amid the change it’s important to look back at the momentous life of Chris, a life that was full, impactful and influential.

It’s difficult to put into words the seismic change in the world of media during Chris’ lifetime. At his heyday, his Editor’s Notebook column in National Speed Sport News was the most widely read offering in all motorsports, by a wide margin. His work as a pit reporter on ABC and CBS played before some of the largest audiences in the history of motorsports broadcasting.

Chris was inquisitive, interested and engaged. Nobody — repeat, nobody — was more consumed with reporting on auto racing. He was honest, unflinching and prolific. He developed a network of sources that literally spanned the globe, yet never lost sight of the culture and dynamics of the smallest quarter-mile tracks of America.

His word became the ultimate source of what was happening in motorsports, when it was happening and why it was happening. Everyone in motorsports knew who he was and yearned for a good word in his column.

Chris became editor of SPEED SPORT in April 1950, but his involvement dates back to the paper’s launch in 1934. SPEED SPORT became the most influential print publication in motorsports history, its direction driven almost solely by Chris. Several generations of racing people will never forget the emotion and anticipation each week of the arrival of the newest issue of SPEED SPORT.

Readers were influenced by his words, located in the opening pages of each issue. Behind the scenes, dozens of people through the years contributed to “the paper,” a great many of whom went on to accomplished careers in media and motorsports. All — readers and staffers alike — look back with great fondness at Chris’ long tenure and his impact on their lives.

In 2006, I undertook the project of helping Chris write and publish his autobiography, “Let ‘Em All Go!” (Somewhere, Chris cringes every time he sees me say “I” in this form; he always insisted that it be expressed as “this writer.” Well, we didn’t agree on everything, of course.) It allowed me to spend many hours, weeks and months with Chris, and it was a unique and privileged experience.

When spending time with Chris at any sort of racing function, one thing became immediately obvious: Chris was truly beloved by the motorsports community. At every appearance and every function people flocked to Chris to express their love and appreciation.

His role in the sport — and that of National Speed Sport News — is beyond measure. Everyone in American motorsports over the second half of the 20th century was touched in one way or another by Chris and his work.

Chris grew up amid challenging circumstances, his demeanor forged by an urban upbringing and work as a drill sergeant in the wartime Army. That background was obvious at times, as Chris showed a tough exterior and little patience for poor performance.

He was strong in both will and opinion; exactly what was needed in order to become the foremost voice in the sport.

Chris left us in 2012, his old body finally giving up the fight and leaving this world to join his late wife, Tommye. Many of us were shocked at Chris’ passing, simply because he had shown such tenacity we assumed that if anyone could beat the odds and live forever, it was Chris.

Today, as we contemplate the 100th anniversary of his birth, I still marvel at the impact of his life. Those of us in motorsports media must never forget that Chris laid the foundation for what we continue to do today: investigate, inform and entertain.

Chris taught me many things. He was my mentor and my friend. I experienced things that never would have happened without his help, and for that I will always be grateful. In return, I want to do my part to remind future generations of the important work done by Chris and all his colleagues at SPEED SPORT.

It’s important to look not only backward, but forward. At the same time, I hope racing people never forget Chris, and his tremendous contribution to the racing world they know today.

Happy birthday, Chris. Rest well, my friend.