The Ted Christopher Drive for Safety Initiative returns to Stafford Speedway for its seventh consecutive season this Friday night, September 11th.
Established in 2020 by Quinn Christopher, the initiative continues to promote driver safety by awarding one Stafford competitor from each of its five weekly divisions with a pair of custom ear molds, courtesy of Shawn Waddell and Waddell Communications. These ear molds will be awarded to the 13th place finisher in each of Stafford’s five weekly feature racing events.
“I still can’t believe that it’s been nine years and that next year will be ten years,” said Quinn Christopher. “This Safety Initiative is a great way to keep Teddy’s memory and spirit alive and to keep him involved with racing at Stafford somehow even though he’s not physically here with us anymore.”
Ted Christopher, in addition to his on-track competitiveness and aggressive manner on the track, was a fierce advocate for driver safety. “Safety was incredibly important to Teddy, and he always made time to stress that to other drivers,” Quinn continued. “It’s great that we’re able to do something that will benefit a driver from each division rather than just one driver because Teddy would talk to anyone in the paddock area about safety, regardless of what division they raced in.”
Quinn also extended her gratitude to Shawn Waddell and Waddell Communications for partnering to provide the custom ear molds that will be awarded on Friday night. “I really have to give a big thank you to Shawn Waddell from Waddell Communications for working with me on this,” said Christopher. “Being able to partner with someone like Shawn is perfect because of the relationship that Shawn enjoyed working with Teddy as his spotter for years.”
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.
· 2025: A Bell Racing helmet was awarded to Bill Cote from Stafford’s Street Stock division. Each driver who finished 13th in their respective feature event was entered into a drawing for the helmet with Cote selected as the winning driver.
Continuing the Mission
Through the generosity of supporters like Bell Helmets, 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 2026 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.
“Thanks to the Arute family for supporting me along with doing the TC 13 race every year,” said Christopher. “I’m already starting to think about what we can do for next season. With next season being 10 years that Teddy has been gone, we’ll have to see how much bigger and better we can go with the Safety Initiative to mark the 10-year anniversary.”
In addition to the TC 13 Shootout, this Friday, September 11, will also be First Responders Night presented by USNE. Tickets for September 11th are available now online 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 Order Friday, September 11 1st Responder Night / TC 13 Shoot Out Tickets
For more information, visit staffordspeedway.com, follow Stafford Speedway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or contact the track office at 860-684-2783.