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Shige Hattori, Acclaimed Racer and Team Owner, Dies in Traffic Accident
Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori, a distinguished racer and the owner of a championship-winning NASCAR team, has sadly passed away following a traffic accident. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. EST on Saturday on North Carolina Highway 73. Hattori was behind the wheel of a 2025 Toyota Crown when he crossed the center line and collided with another vehicle. Fortunately, the occupants of the other car sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities from the Huntersville, N.C. Police Department confirmed Hattori’s death and provided details regarding the accident. Initial reports suggest that speeding or impairment were not factors in the incident, which is still under investigation.
Originally from Okayama, Japan, Hattori relocated to the United States in 1995 to pursue a career in open-wheel racing. He raced full-time in the Indy Lights series for three years, achieving notable success with two victories in the 1998 season at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Gateway International Raceway.
Hattori then progressed to compete in CART and IndyCar, participating in over two dozen races. His time in CART faced challenges; however, he made significant strides during his stint in IndyCar, where he made three attempts at the Indianapolis 500, successfully qualifying twice in 2002 and 2003, with his top finish being 20th. His best IndyCar performance was a sixth-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in the 2002 season while racing for Bradley Motorsports.
His career path shifted in 2004 when he transitioned from open-wheel racing to stock car racing, joining Germain Racing in the NASCAR Truck Series. Despite initial difficulties, which included crashing in six of the ten races he entered, Hattori’s influence on NASCAR was far from over.
In 2008, he founded Hattori Racing Enterprises, marking a new chapter as a team owner. The team began competing in the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series in 2013, where Hattori played a pivotal role in bringing new sponsors to the sport and providing platforms for aspiring drivers like Alex Bowman and Ross Chastain. While the team never secured a top-five finish in the Xfinity Series, it made significant strides in the Truck Series.
The racing outfit achieved remarkable success, securing 14 Truck series victories with drivers Brett Moffitt and Austin Hill, culminating in their championship triumph in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2018. Although Hattori Racing moved to a part-time schedule in 2023, Hattori’s contributions to the sport’s lower divisions were profound.
Team and Community Reactions
Hattori Racing Enterprises expressed profound sorrow over his passing, issuing a statement that reflected on his journey from a hopeful racer to a successful team owner. The statement highlighted his dedication to motorsport and the indelible mark he left on those he worked with, emphasizing his ability to inject humor and positivity into the team atmosphere.
NASCAR’s Acknowledgment
NASCAR officials also released a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging Hattori’s significant influence not only as a competitor and team owner but also as a beloved figure in the racing community. His commitment to elevating the sport and mentoring others was recognized as a defining quality of his career.
Thoughts from Toyota Gazoo Racing
Toyota Gazoo Racing shared their condolences, noting Hattori’s remarkable journey from driver to a history-making team owner. They reflected on his unwavering work ethic and unique personality that left a lasting impression on everyone around him.
Hattori’s legacy will undoubtedly remain etched in the annals of motorsport, honoring his contributions and passion for racing that inspired many.
Source
www.motorsport.com