Former racer and NASCAR team owner Shigeaki Hattori, known as "Shige," tragically died on Saturday, April 5, following a highway crash. He was 61.
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According to a Huntersville Police Department release shared by NASCAR.com, the incident occurred at around 9:15 a.m. ET on Saturday. The release details that Hattori was driving his 2025 Toyota Crown westbound on NC Highway 73 when he crossed into an oncoming lane at a centerline. Unfortunately, Hattori collided with another vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither speed nor impairment contributed to the crash, according to investigators.
Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE), the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team Shigeaki Hattori owned, issued a statement addressing Hattori's passing.
"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," HRE wrote. "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"
Remembering Shigeaki Hattori
Similarly, NASCAR shared a statement on its website, fondly remembering Shigeaki Hattori.
"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," NASCAR wrote. "We are deeply saddened by his tragic passing. NASCAR extends its thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends."
Born in Okayama, Japan, Shigeaki "Shige" Hattori competed as a racer in the CART, IndyCar, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Starting in Japan as a go-kart turned to Formula 2 and 3 racer, Hattori eventually moved to the United States in 1995. He would score two wins in 1998 in the Indy Lights Series before reaching the IndyCar Series in 2000. Hattori then explored the Craftsman Truck Series in 2004.
He would then transition to NASCAR team owner. He founded HRE and scored 14 wins as a Track Series owner from 2018 to 2021, as per NASCAR.
