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THERE WAS
NEVER A LOSS OF EXCITEMENT
WHEN TED CHRISTOPHER WAS AROUND
A Life is Lost and a Legend Made
by Denise DuPont |
All
eyes were focused on the modified tour race and its
last race of the season at Riverhead Speedway. Teams
and fans alike made the trip by ferry, highway or
air with the anticipation of a competitive race.
Crews prepared and were ready for practice and
qualifying. After practice and preparation for time
trials began, some started to worry. There was one
of them missing and he was always there. When he did
not answer calls or reach back, everyone started to
wonder how Ted Christopher would arrive at the
track.
There were rumors on Facebook and twitter, but our
hearts remain focused on racing and knowing TC would
be there. He never would miss a race, broken wrist
or not. Then those words that you never want to hear
were officially spoken. We had loss one of the
toughest most competitive, old school drivers to
come out of the northeast. Christopher had died in a
plane crash on his way to the
track.
There was not a dry eye in the pits as the official
announcement was made by Jimmy Wilson of NASCAR and
Reverend Don Rivers led everyone in prayer.
Racing went on as planned after a ceremony to honor
our fallen hero – TC. He loved speed, excitement and
risk and there will only ever be one TC. He was our
Dale Earnhardt of the northeast. You either loved
him or hated him but he certainly brought fans to
the track and crowds to their feet.
On the outside Christopher was tough, stood his
ground and was a never lost for words. And yes, he
often spoke his mind. He also never backed down and
always gave racing his all.
TC had his own unique style. His three times and you
are out, His sling shots moves and doing things that
other never thought were possible to get to the
front. He started from the rear many times and was
in the lead before you know it. There was just no
stopping him. He took whatever challenges he faced
and enjoyed conquering them.
TC’s legend will go on with current champions and
young guns who confess they grew up watching him and
wanting to be him. We will never replace TC and the
respect that he earned will never be taken away. We
will go forward to complete the 2017 race season
with the major void in the fields at Stafford Motor
Speedway and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park
without the number 13 among them. And the ranks of
the NWMT at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be
down one.
TC you will be in you will be sadly missed and the
void that you left will be never filled. The legend
you have built will go on forever.
Recently reflecting on his life and career recently
at Stafford Motor Speedway, Christopher stated: “I
never thought I would be a race car driver.”
And that he was.
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Source:
Denise DuPont /
TheChromeHorn.com
Posted:
September 17, 2017 |
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