(Stafford Springs, CT)—For the fifth consecutive season, the Ted Christopher Safety Initiative will support local driver safety at Stafford Speedway. Established prior to the start of the 2020 season by Quinn Christopher, the Ted Christopher Safety Initiative will provide an SK Modified® driver with a brand new fully custom and embroidered Pro Series Double Layer firesuit.
Unlike years past when there has been a drawing in NAPA Victory Lane to determine the firesuit winner, this year’s Leaf firesuit will be awarded via a driver vote. Only SK Modified® drivers who have attended every race thus far during the 2024 season will be eligible to vote and that same group of drivers will be the only ones eligible to receive the new firesuit. The winner will be announced during the Friday, September 13 TC 13 Shootout / First Responders Night program.
“Leaf Racewear is going to provide a Pro Series Double Layer firesuit that is fully custom and embroidered,” said Quinn Christopher. “Leaf Racewear has been a great partner to work with and they loved Teddy so they’re excited to be helping out once again this season with the suit. As always, I could say the same thing every year. I love doing this and it’s a great way to help keep the memory of Teddy alive.”
The Leaf Racewear firesuit continues the tradition of awarding new safety equipment to Stafford drivers through the Ted Christopher Drive for Safety Initiative. In 2020, over 100 drivers received either a new Nomex undershirt, helmet skirt, or head sock with all drivers who participated entered into a drawing for a new Leaf Racewear firesuit, which was won by Meghan Fuller. The 2021 season saw the TC Safety Initiative award a brand new Bell helmet to one driver from each of Stafford’s five weekly divisions with Tyler Hines, John Blake, Paul French, Mike Hopkins, and Frank L’Etoile, Jr. all winning new helmets. The 2022 season saw The Joie of Seating provide three new racing seats for the 13th place finishing driver in the SK Modified® feature, Keith Rocco, the winner of the TC 13 Shootout, Michael Christopher, Jr., and a random winner drawn from all drivers who were signed in for competition that night, which was SK Light driver Casey Vogt. Last season’s TC Safety Initiative contribution was a new Leaf Racewear firesuit for one driver from each division with each feature race winner drawing a name from a hat to determine the winners. The 5 lucky winners were Michael Christopher, Jr. in the SK Modified® division, Chris Meyer in the Late Model division, Meghan Fuller in the SK Light division, Jeremy Lavoie in the Limited Late Model division, and Travis Hydar in the Street Stock division.
“Teddy always had a new firesuit and I remember someone saying that you should replace your firesuit every season because they wear out fast,” continued Christopher. “We all know that it was so important to Teddy to be safe in the racecar and he always tried to give advice to younger drivers on how to be safe. I love being able to help people because I know it’s very expensive and I’m still in awe at what drivers spend to go racing. I’m excited because I always tell Lisa Arute that Stafford was Teddy’s second home and it’s really great and it always brings a smile to my face that Stafford hosts a race every season to honor Teddy’s memory.”
“We are so happy that Quinn continues the TC Drive for Safety Initiative,” said Lisa Arute. “It’s our honor to recognize our friend and multi-time track champion with the TC 13 Shootout and Safety Initiative.”
For more information, visit staffordspeedway.com, follow Stafford Speedway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or contact the track office at 860-684-2783.
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