Continuing its reemergence into the world of racing, Rockingham Speedway has announced they will honor former announcer and legendary motorsports journalist Chris Economaki by dedicating the infield media center in his name.  In addition, veteran driver Ken Schrader will have the Turn 4 grandstands named in his honor.

Track president Andy Hillenburg feels a close connection with both Economaki and Schrader, making this dedication much more special.

“I first met Chris at a sprint car race when I was a seventeen year old driver,” Hillenburg said of Economaki. “The sport and media coverage we have today would not be the same without the foundation he helped build and I want fans to know it.”

Covering the sport of auto racing for seven decades, Chris Economaki essentially created the profession of motorsports journalist. Over those seventy years, Economaki served as a track announcer, radio announcer, commentator on ABC’s Wide World of Sports and various other programs and since 1950 has served as the editor for the National Speed Sport News.  Earlier this year, Economaki was honored by the National Motorsport Press Association and inducted into the NMPA Hall of fame.

“When you get old, people give you things and I have become humbled by the number of things people have given me in recent years,” Economaki explained. “Having spent the majority of my lifetime at race tracks, I’m proud to have my name associated with a race track as rich in history as Rockingham Speedway.”

One of the most versatile race car drivers around, Ken Schrader admitted he was a bit surprised after learning of the speedway’s dedication.

“I am honored but a little bit surprised,” Schrader pointed out. “I’ve known Andy since before he moved down here and I’ve always been a big fan of his and I think it is pretty amazing what he has been able to accomplish.”

While Schrader might be a bit taken aback by the announcement, Hillenburg feels the honor is fitting.

“Ken Schrader is the definition of the term ‘racer.’ He has been and always will be a fan favorite and a personal favorite as well,” Hillenburg explained.

“The first time I raced at Daytona was in his car as well as my first win there,” the track president went on to say. “We share the same passion for the sport and we are very proud to have his name permanently displayed at the Rockingham Speedway.”

“I always did like it [racing at Rockingham] just because of the way the track would work on the tires and to do well you really had to use your foot there a lot,” said Schrader. “When we got to run the ARCA race there last year it was like ‘damn I knew this place was fun but I forgot how much fun it was.’ I am looking forward to going back this year.”

The next on-track action at the Rockingham Speedway will be the Carolina 200 ARCA race on Sunday, April 19. The weekend will be full of activities both on-track and in the town of Rockingham itself.  A hauler parade through the city is planned for Friday, April 17 beginning at noon.  Drivers will also be on hand to sign autographs at 6 p.m.

Reserved seat tickets for the Carolina 200 start at $20 with kids 12 and under admitted for only $15 in any section with paid adult but with the Buy For Sunday, Bonus For Saturday ticket promotion that runs until April 10, fans will receive a free UARA race ticket. 

After April 10, tickets for the UARA race and ARCA practice and qualifying are only $15 in advance or $20 the day of the race with kids 12 and under free with a paid adult for general admission seating. Friday is free admission for everyone.