Veteran modified NASCAR racer Ted Christopher, 59, otherwise known by his peers as Teddy was killed when his Mooney M20C aircraft apparently crashed in Guilford, Conn. en route to tonight’s race NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) Miller Lite 200 at Riverhead Raceway in Riverhead, N.Y.
A family member confirmed the tragedy to the short track website Speed51.
A family member has confirmed to Speed51 that Ted Christopher passed away today in a plane crash. We will have more information to come.
— Speed51.com (@speed51dotcom) September 16, 2017
Authorities from the Guilford Police and Fire and North Branford units responded to the incident, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already begun an investigation into the crash that occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. (ET).
NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France issued a statement late Saturday night confirming the death of Christopher and his pilot.
“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 hard driving style 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.”
Christopher won in many different types of race cars, including Modifieds, SK Modifieds, ISMA, Camping World East (East) Series, Late Models, Pro Stocks and Midgets.
He is best known for competing in the NWMT series where he has over 40 victories and a series championship in 2008. His greatest success on-track came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where Christopher won five Camping World East Series (K&N) and five Whelen Modified Tour events.
The Plainville, Conn. native competed in six Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races from 1999-2009, 21 NASCAR XFINITY Series races from 1996-2001 and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from 1997 to 1999.
He earned his best finish in the XFINITY Series in 1999 driving for current NASCAR K&N owner Ted Marsh, finishing eighth at Nazareth (Pa.) Speedway after starting 30th.
In 372 NWMT starts, Christopher has been credited with 27 poles, 42 wins, 133 top-five and 203 top-10 finishes. In nine races this season, he has earned two top-five and four top-10 finishes respectively and sat 14th in the point standings driving for car owner Danny Watts Jr.
“The short track community is one of the tightest-knit groups in motorsports, and today it lost one of its most passionate, talented and well-respected members,” said David McGrath, Executive Vice President and General Manager at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. “Ted Christopher was the gold standard when it came to short track racing, specifically the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. With 10 career victories, Teddy is one of New Hampshire Motor Speedway’s most prolific drivers. I know that I can speak for everyone here, as well as our entire Speedway Motorsports, Inc. family, when I say that while Teddy may be gone, his legacy will carry on for generations to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow competitors at this very difficult time.”
A press release from the North Branford Police Department on the incident is pending.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
