NC Motorsports Association gets new executive director

The North Carolina Motorsports Association board of directors has named Corinne Economaki as executive director. Interim executive director Andy Papathanassiou, who filled in for founder Ed McLean, has accepted a seat on the board of directors.

Having served as publisher of National Speed Sport News, for almost two decades, Economaki is no stranger to motorsports.  In 1985, she joined NSSN as advertising coordinator after a career in marketing and restaurant management. Economaki worked her way to assistant publisher and became publisher in 1990, where she served continuously until 2001. During that time, she oversaw the newspaper’s relocation from New Jersey to North Carolina. After a five-year hiatus, she retook the reins in 2006, and led the company through the financial crisis of 2009 before ceasing operations in April 2011. As the daughter of the “Dean of American Motorsports Journalism” Chris Economaki, she grew up in the industry and understands the nuances of the motorsports business. 

“The NCMA has done a great deal to enhance the business of the people and entities involved in motorsports in North Carolina, and I look forward to building on that foundation,” said Economaki. “I am flattered to be chosen by the board to direct the next phase of the association.” McLean founded the association in 2002.

Papathanassiou has served as interim NCMA executive director since 2006 in addition to his position at Hendrick Motorsports.