Theodore "Ted" "TC" Christopher

“First tap is telling you I’m here. Second tap is telling you to pick a lane. Third tap, I’m picking the lane for you.”

Ted “TC” “The King” Christopher #13

NASCAR driver, business owner and beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, Theodore “Ted” “TC” Christopher, died following a tragic airplane crash in Guilford Saturday.

The celebrated 59-year-old driver, a Plainville native who recently moved to Southington, left behind both a legend and a legacy. His life was full of energy, swagger, intelligence, generosity and kindness that together contributed to the essence of a man whose greatness went far beyond the race track.

In 2001 Christopher won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national title and in 2008 the NASCAR Whelan Modified Tour Crown. With 13 combined championships, he was the winningest driver at both Stafford Motor Speedway and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.

Christopher, whose “Three Tap” rule reflected his aggressive, signature racing style, was named one of the top 25 drivers in NASCAR's weekly series in 2006, when the series celebrated its 25th anniversary. In 2008, Stafford named a section of its grandstand in his honor. Despite his age, Christopher had not lost any of his edge. So far this season he had racked up six wins at Stafford with his most recent just two weeks ago.

A fan favorite whose ability was respected by his racing peers, Christopher won hundreds of awards and accolades throughout his racing career. And while most knew him because of his racing celebrity, his biggest successes in life went far beyond the tracks he raced on.

A well-regarded and hard-working businessman who owned M & T Enterprises in Plainville, Christopher’s roots in his community ran deep. A 1976 graduate of Plainville High School, he was a sports enthusiast who was captain of his high school wrestling team. In 2013 he was inducted into the Plainville Sports Hall of Fame. He rooted for any football team that was winning, especially if the team was beating his wife’s Dallas Cowboys, but could care less about the Red Sox or the Yankees. He was an avid reader, loved rock and roll music, was a classic car collector and a guy who couldn’t imagine life without his German shepherds, including puppy Maverick.  His friendships with his gang of longtime friends were precious, respected and far reaching. An accomplished cook, he never missed the Wednesday night Outback dinners “with the boys”  followed by Pralines ice cream on his way home. Morning oatmeal from scratch with a side of “Let’s Make A Deal” was a must. 

He was generous to his community, sponsoring many children’s recreational activities and quietly contributing to non-profit efforts because he wanted to help. As a son and sibling, he was devoted. As an uncle, he loved knowing that the party never really began for delighted nieces and nephews until a boisterous, grinning and mischief-making “Uncle Teddy” arrived.

Nothing in his life however, was more important than his wife, Quinn Wazorko Christopher, and the treasured life and home they had built together.  It reflected an unshakeable bond of love and trust and teamwork that he valued much more than his rooms full of trophies.

Christopher was a true man of merit, one who lived every day of his life to the fullest and whose life ended too soon.  He will be missed more than words can explain.

Besides his wife he leaves  his mother Lucy (Graziano) Christopher; his twin brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Jen Christopher of Wolcott; his sister and brother-in-law Joe and  Judy Christopher Mannix of Longmeadow; his mother-in-law MaryEllen Fillo Wazorko of Southington and Delray Beach, Fl ; his brothers-and sisters-in-law, Christopher and Raegan Wazorko and Justin and Tabitha Manafort, all of Plainville;  his nephews and nieces, Michael and Nicole Christopher, George and Jacob  Mannix, Olivia, Lillian and Amelia Wazorko , and Samantha, Justin, and Tommi Manafort. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, cousins and treasured friends who shared his love of life both on and off the racetrack and dearly treasured him. He was pre-deceased by his beloved father, William Christopher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church St., Forestville. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Calling hours will be held Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Bailey’s Funeral Home, 48 Broad St Plainville .There will also be a race program memorial at Stafford Speedway in Stafford Springs on Oct. 1 where his #13 car number will be retired.

It is said “The choices we make about the lives we live determine the kinds of legacies we leave.” His life was one of love, sass, compassion, honesty and adventure. His legacy is all that and much more.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ted Christopher Memorial Fund, care of Farmington Bank, 117 East Street Plainville Ct 06062 Attn. Bree Pirog. To leave a condolence go to www.bailey-funeralhome.com

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