By Jerry Jordan, Editor
It’s a sad day for motorsports as NASCAR team owner, Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori was killed in a car crash on Sunday morning in Huntersville, N.C.
According to a police report, neither speed nor impairment played a factor in the two-car collision that sent the driver of the second vehicle to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at approximately 9:15 a.m., Huntersville Police officers responded to a two-vehicle collision on NC Highway 73 near McGuire Nuclear Station Road,” the report states. “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.”
A release from the team was sent to media outlets Monday morning.
“We are heartbroken to confirm that Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori was pronounced deceased on the morning of Saturday, April 5, in Huntersville, N.C., following a motor vehicle accident. He was 61. A native of Okayama, Japan, Shige moved to the United States in the 1990s to pursue his dream of becoming an open-wheel race car driver. He won two INDY NXT by Firestone races and made two starts in the Indianapolis 500.
“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.”
Update from NASCAR:
“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. NASCAR extends its thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends.” – NASCAR
Update from IndyCar:
Shigeaki Hattori, one of eight Japanese-born drivers to compete in the Indianapolis 500, died April 5 in a car accident in Huntersville, North Carolina. He was 61.
The native of Okayama in southern Japan, Hattori competed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway three times, earning a pair of starts. After serving as the first alternate to the 33-car field in 2001, he finished 20th in 2002 for Bradley Motorsports, completing 197 laps. The next year, he finished 30th driving for AJ Foyt Racing as the car’s fuel system failed.
Those two races in the “500” were among Hattori’s 34 career INDYCAR SERIES starts in a four-year span that ended in 2003. His best series finish came at Texas Motor Speedway when he finished sixth in 2002.
At 32, Hattori moved to the U.S. in 1995, first embarking on an opportunity in Indy Lights, now known as INDY NXT by Firestone. He won races at Homestead-Miami Speedway and World Wide Technology Raceway, starting in the top three on both occasions for Indy Regency Racing.
Hattori made his INDYCAR SERIES debut in 1999, making eight Champ Car World Series starts for Bettenhausen Motorsports. In 2000, he moved to the Indy Racing League, scoring four top-10 finishes in five races for Treadway Racing.
Hattori’s INDYCAR SERIES career featured rides with five teams using five different engine badging.
Hattori also had a significant career in NASCAR, driving and owning entries. He made 10 Truck Series starts before turning his attention to leading Hattori Racing Enterprises. The team fielded Johnny Sauter, Alex Bowman and Ross Chastain, among other notable drivers. Brett Moffitt won the 2018 Truck Series championship for the team.
Update from Toyota Gazoo Racing:
Statement on Shige Hattori from Tyler Gibbs, president, TRD, U.S.A.
“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. 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.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Kickin’ the Tires will update this article should more information become available.