A deadly and breakneck sport like motor racing can easily create a life-and-death situation. At times when the endlessly exciting racing world slips out of hand and turns gnarly, drivers’ lives are at stake. Then whoever is nearby, be it racing staff, other drivers, or even journalists, reignite the humanity within them. During the early days of NASCAR, one journalist did such a heartwarming act. He deservedly earned timeless respect in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

The 1960 National 400 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway was witness to a gruesome accident. It could have turned worse if not for the presence of journalist Chris Economaki.

1960 hyped-up race faced a terrible accident

The National 400 was the 42nd round of the 1960 season. It was held a few months after the World 600 race. Over 30,000 racing fans had gathered at the Charlotte. 50 of the best stock car racers were geared up to showcase their motor prowess on one of the fastest tracks in the US. In such a pumped atmosphere, the ensuing mishap must have been a shock to all the people partaking in the NASCAR race.

On the 90th lap of the race, something terrifying unfolded before everybody’s eyes. Racer Lenny Page lost control of the wheel and slammed onto the guard rails. He could not rest, as soon after another driver, Don Odell, crashed into his car and T-boned Page. 

The accident was unprecedented, and medical staff were still a little further away from the scene of events. However, one individual was a few feet away from the place – journalist Chris Economaki. He did not waste a single moment and rushed to help Page, who was visibly in a more dire condition than Odell. He took off his shirt and used it to press on Page’s neck gushing out blood. Economaki sustained his life until the medical authorities reached the spot. Page had a concussion, several broken ribs, and a huge cut in the neck.

Although Page could never race in a national race again, hospital doctors said that he had a very narrow shave from the end. Hence Economaki was hailed as a hero, and rightly so. He earned a special merit award at the 1961 Speed Weeks at NASCAR’s victory dinner.

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Chris Economaki was known as “The Dean of American Motorsports Journalism”. He was the editor, publisher, and columnist for National Speed Sport News. Alongside being a great journalist, he also demonstrated his greatness by helping save a driver’s life in the 1960 National 400.

NASCAR is not short of dangers

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NASCAR has faced several terrible accidents in the past. For example, when Richard Petty bumped into a retaining wall while his car flipped several times at the Rebel 400 race in 1970. Or when Mike Rich, a tire changer, got caught between two vehicles and got killed at the Atlanta Journal 500 race in 1990.

However, over time, NASCAR has taken note of any inconsistencies and dangers in the system. It has evolved into a flawless and safe sport as far as possible. However, without the presence of humane individuals like Economaki, any mishap can turn a thousand times worse. Don’t you agree?

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