Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori has passed
Hattori has died following a crash on Saturday, April 5 in Huntersville, NC.
He was born in Okayama, Japan. In the 1990s, he moved to the United States to pursue a career in auto racing.
As a driver, he picked up two wins in the INDY NXT division. And he made two starts in the famed Indianapolis 500.
He went on to transition to the role of team owner. He owned Hattori Racing Enterprises, the team has completed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Truck Series.
He was 61.
Hattori Racing Enterprises statement
Hattori Racing Enterprises stated, “His passion for motorsports ultimately led him to NASCAR, where he competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) in 2004 and 2005. He transitioned to team ownership in 2008 and founded Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE). He won 14 NCTS races as a team owner and reached the ultimate achievement by winning the 2018 series championship.”
“Shige was known for his relentless drive, focus and competitive spirit. Team ownership through HRE and Hattori Motorsports had become both his passion and his life’s work.”
“He had a unique gift to constantly inject a light-hearted attitude and one-of-a-kind sense of humor into his race teams that will never be forgotten.”
“We’ll miss you dearly. Farewell, Shige.”
NASCAR statement
“Shigeaki Hattori was a passionate racer and highly successful team owner, but beyond all his team’s statistics – which includes a NASCAR Truck Series championship – Shige was a genuine, beloved member of the garage who worked tirelessly to lift our sport and his people. We are deeply saddened by his tragic passing.”
They added, “NASCAR extends its thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends.”
Toyota statement
“Everyone at Toyota and TRD, U.S.A. is saddened to learn of Shige Hattori’s tragic passing. Toyota’s history with Shige spans decades,” Toyota said in a statement.
“Through his long run as a driver to his history-making championship success as an owner, Shige’s motivation and work ethic to achieve at the highest level never wavered. His endearing personality was infectious and unforgettable. We are thinking of his family and friends as they process this terrible loss.”
Huntersville Police Department release
“On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at approximately 9:15am, Huntersville Police officers responded to a two-vehicle collision on NC Highway 73 near McGuire Nuclear Station Road.”
“Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2025 Toyota Crown, operated by Shigeaki Hattori of Mooresville (Originally from Japan), was traveling westbound on NC Hwy 73 when it crossed the centerline into the oncoming lane and collided with a 2024 Lexus GX550.”
“Mr. Hattori was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Lexus was transported to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.”
“At this time, investigators do not believe speed or impairment were contributing factors in the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the Huntersville Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section.”
