© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WNPR News sports coverage brings you a mix of local and statewide news from our reporters as well as national and global news from around the world from NPR.

Connecticut Racing Legend Ted Christopher Dies In Plane Crash

Steve Harrell
/
Creative Commons
Ted Christopher (left) was the winningest driver at Connecticut's Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway.

NASCAR’s Ted Christopher died Saturday in a plane crash about 90 minutes after takeoff from Robertson Airport in Plainville.

There might not be anyone who had a better career locally in a modified car -- one where you could see the wheels outside the car’s body -- than Christopher. And he won more races than anyone else at Connecticut’s Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway.

“I certainly grieve the idea that I won’t be able to go down and congratulate him on his 100th victory,” Josh Vanada, general manager of Thompson Speedway said. “100 is just a number. The legacy that Ted leaves behind goes far beyond any stats could ever quantify.”

Credit Mandoli / Creative Commons
/
Creative Commons
Stafford Motor Speedway is home to open-wheel racing and is a track where Ted Christopher won over 100 races.

Christopher won at Thompson 99 times, including a win there just six days before his death.

Joe Coss interviewed Christopher in victory lane after that race. As a track reporter and public address announcer at area tracks, Coss covered Christopher for 12 years.

“I think you can compare the accomplishments of Ted Christopher at the regional level to what Dale Earnhardt Sr. did at the national level,” Coss said. “He was this guy who loved ice cream, who would give you the shirt off his back, and was a true gentleman. But behind the wheel of that race car, he was intimidating.”

In addition to being a champion of the Whelan Modified Tour in 2008 (the only open-wheel series sanctioned by NASCAR), Christopher competed in six races at the stock car giant’s top level. He was 59.

Frankie Graziano is the host of The Wheelhouse, focusing on how local and national politics impact the people of Connecticut.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content