Shigeaki Shige Hattori Obituary, Death; – Hattori Racing expressed profound sorrow on X following the death of its owner, 61-year-old Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori, who was tragically involved in a fatal accident on Sunday.
As reported by the Huntersville Police Department, Hattori, a resident of Mooresville, was driving a 2025 Toyota Crown westbound on NC Hwy 73 at approximately 9:15 a.m. He allegedly veered across the centerline, colliding with a 2024 Lexus GX550.
Hattori was declared dead at the scene, while the Lexus driver was transported to a nearby medical facility with injuries that were not life-threatening.
The founder of Hattori Racing Enterprises, Hattori emigrated from Okayama, Japan, to the United States in the 1990s to fulfill his aspiration of becoming an open-wheel race car driver. He achieved victory in two INDY NXT by Firestone races and participated in the Indianapolis 500 on two occasions.
“Shige was recognized for his unwavering determination, focus, and competitive nature. His roles as team owner through HRE and Hattori Motorsports were not only his passion but also his life’s work,” the team remarked.
Hattori raced in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series during 2004 and 2005, before establishing Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2008. As a team owner, he celebrated 14 NCTS victories and attained the pinnacle of success by winning the series championship in 2018.
In a statement to Queen City News, NASCAR remarked, “Shigeaki Hattori was a dedicated racer and an exceptionally successful team owner. Beyond his impressive statistics, which include a NASCAR Truck Series championship, Shige was a cherished and authentic member of the garage who devoted himself to enhancing our sport and supporting his team. We are profoundly saddened by his untimely passing. NASCAR extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and numerous friends.”
