Ted Christopher, modified championship racer, dies in plane crash at 59

Associated Press | USA TODAY

NORTH BRANFORD, Conn. - Modified championship racer Ted Christopher was one of two people killed when a small plane crashed in the woods in Connecticut on Saturday, NASCAR officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that two people were aboard a Mooney M20C plane that went down near the North Branford-Guilford border shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday, but they didn’t release the names of the victims.

Brian France, NASCAR chairman and CEO, said Christopher, 59, and the plane’s pilot both died.

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident. Details of the plane’s itinerary were not immediately released.

The 59-year-old Christopher captured 13 track championships and competed at every level of NASCAR during his career. In 2006, he was selected as one of the top 25 drivers in NASCAR Whelen All-American Series history.

Heard the news of this just moments after walking into VL. Very sad. He was a legend. https://t.co/oOtdDjF58J — Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) September 16, 2017

Race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was among many to share memories and condolences on social media. He tweeted Saturday night that Christopher “was a legend.”

So very sad to hear of Ted Christopher's passing...Greatness passes into Legend #RIP — Kyle Petty (@kylepetty) September 16, 2017

Wow can't believe the news of Ted Christopher. Thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. RIP! — Kyle Larson (@KyleLarsonRacin) September 16, 2017

Heartbroken. Today short track racing just lost one of THE BEST ever. Today many just lost a great friend. RIP TC. #TheKing pic.twitter.com/9yiFGAT8JU — Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) September 16, 2017

In a statement, France said:

“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.

"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 was to have competed Saturday night at Riverhead Raceway in New York. Traffic officials planned a tribute to him by having his car driven for a ceremonial lap and a moment of silence from fans.