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(Stafford Springs, CT) — The legacy of one of short track racing’s most iconic figures will once again be honored this Friday night, September 12, as the Ted Christopher Safety Initiative returns to Stafford Speedway for its sixth consecutive season. Established in 2020 by Quinn Christopher, the initiative continues to promote driver safety by awarding one Stafford competitor with a brand new Bell helmet, courtesy of Racing Force.
This year’s program will take place during Stafford’s weekly Friday night race program. The unique format will see the 13th-place finisher in each of the five weekly feature events become eligible to win the helmet. Following the evening’s final feature — the TC 13 Shootout — the race winner will randomly draw the name of the helmet recipient in NAPA Victory Lane from the pool of five 13th-place finishers.
“I still can’t believe that it’s been eight years,” said Quinn Christopher. “I still feel like Teddy is missed every day and I still see people who tell me the track isn’t the same without him. I enjoy honoring Teddy, and this Safety Initiative has been such a joyful way to remember him and keep his spirit alive.”
Ted Christopher, known for his fiery competitiveness on the track, was also a fierce advocate for driver safety. Quinn recalls how Ted would take time to talk to younger drivers about the importance of safety equipment and encourage them to invest in gear that could one day save their lives.
“Safety was incredibly important to Teddy, and he always made time to stress that to other drivers,” Quinn continued. “Many young racers upgraded their gear simply because Ted told them to. A lot of people only saw the aggressive racer, but I knew a different Teddy — one who genuinely cared about the people around him. My hope is that this initiative continues to raise awareness and help drivers who may not have the financial support to invest in top-tier safety equipment.”
Quinn also extended her gratitude to Tom DiBlasi and the team at Racing Force for once again partnering to provide the Bell helmet that will be awarded on Friday night.
“I’m hoping this little bit I’ve been able to do is beneficial and I have to give a big thank you to Tom DiBlasi at Racing Force for working with me on a Bell helmet.”
A Legacy of Safety: Looking Back at the TC Safety Initiative
Since its inception, the Ted Christopher Safety Initiative has distributed critical safety gear to Stafford’s weekly competitors through a variety of creative formats:
· 2020: Over 100 drivers received Nomex undershirts, helmet skirts, or head socks. All participants were entered into a drawing for a Leaf Racewear firesuit, won by Meghan Fuller.
· 2021: One Bell helmet was awarded in each of Stafford’s five divisions. Winners included Tyler Hines, John Blake, Paul French, Mike Hopkins, and Frank L’Etoile, Jr.
· 2022: The Joie of Seating provided three custom racing seats—one to the 13th-place finisher in the SK Modified® feature (Keith Rocco), one to the TC 13 Shootout winner (Michael Christopher, Jr.), and one drawn at random from all signed-in drivers (Casey Vogt).
· 2023: Each feature winner drew a name from a hat to determine the recipient of safety gear. Winners were Michael Christopher, Jr. (SK Modified®), Chris Meyer (Late Model), Meghan Fuller (SK Light), Jeremy Lavoie (Limited Late Model), and Travis Hydar (Street Stock).
· 2024: A Leaf Racewear firesuit was awarded to the SK Modified® driver who received the most votes in a peer vote, with Michael Gervais, Jr. earning the honor.
Continuing the Mission
Through the generosity of supporters like Racing Force, Leaf Racewear, and The Joie of Seating, the initiative has delivered real impact to local drivers—many of whom may not have access to the latest safety equipment on their own.
The Ted Christopher Drive for Safety Initiative continues to serve as a fitting tribute to a racer who gave so much to the sport and its future generations. As the 2025 season heads into its final stretch, Friday’s giveaway is yet another reminder that Ted Christopher’s legacy is still very much alive at Stafford Speedway.
“This is something that I hope to do forever and try to build it up more and more every year because you never want to see anyone get hurt out on the track,” said Christopher. “You want to help everyone stay safe. Thanks to the Arute family for supporting me along with doing the TC 13 race every year. I really appreciate them allowing me to join in and be part of the program with this safety initiative.”
In addition to the TC 13 Shootout, this Friday, September 12, will also be First Responders Night presented by USNE. Tickets for September 12th are available now online at StaffordSpeedway.com/tickets and tickets will also be available for purchase at the admission gates. First Responders can get a discounted general admission ticket for only $10 at the gate with proper I.D. If you are unable to attend the event, tune into the live stream on FloRacing, the official streaming partner of Stafford Speedway.
For more information, visit staffordspeedway.com, follow Stafford Speedway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or contact the track office at 860-684-2783.
