Northeast Racing Legend Ted Christopher Killed in Plane Crash September 17, 2017 Miscellaneous Veteran NASCAR modified driver Ted Christopher was killed Saturday in a small plane crash in Connecticut en route to a race at Riverhead Raceway; he was 59. Christopher and his pilot were the only two on board when the plane crashed into a field near Guildford, CT. The pilot also died. Ted Christopher won the 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship as well as 42 races in his career. He also made six starts in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, 21 in the Xfinity Series, and two in the Camping World Truck Series. His most recent win was at Thompson Speedway (CT) – his 99th at the track. In 2006 Christopher was named one of the NASCAR Weekly Series “All-Time Top 25 Drivers”. In 2008 Stafford Motor Speedway named a section of its grandstand in honour of Christopher’s 100th win at that facility. NASCAR reacted to the news of Christopher’s passing with the following statement: “We are all saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash this afternoon that claimed the lives of NASCAR driver Ted Christopher and the aircraft’s pilot,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “As a championship driver on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and New England short tracks, Christopher was a throwback to NASCAR’s roots. He was a tough racer’s racer, and his hhard-drivingstyle and candid personality endeared him to short track fans throughout the country. He will be missed throughout the racing community, in the garage and, especially, in the hearts of his many fans. NASCAR has his family and friends in its thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
