Ted Christopher 1958-2017

Ted Christopher, the 2001 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national champion and 2008 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title winner, was killed in a plane crash in Connecticut on Saturday afternoon. He was 59.

Christopher's family confirmed that Christopher died in the crash, with police confirming that the crash in a wooded area near the Branford-Guilford border killed the pilot and one passenger.

"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," NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said in a statement.

"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 compiled 10 wins in 92 K&N Pro Series East starts. He had 21 starts in the Xfinity Series and made six Cup starts between 1999 and 2006, with his last start coming at Loudon.

He was the winningest driver at Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway in Connecticut and was a regular racer at the New London-Waterford Speedbowl.

"Words can't describe the way we are feeling right now," Stafford Speedway said in a statement. "We are devastated over the loss of the greatest driver to ever compete at Stafford Speedway, our dear friend Ted Christopher. Stafford Speedway and the Modified community will never be the same."