Shigeaki Hattori, championship Truck Series owner, dies in highway crash at 61

Shigeaki Hattori, Championship Truck Series Owner, Dies in Highway Crash at 61

Shigeaki Hattori, a prominent figure in motorsports and owner of Hattori Racing Enterprises, tragically lost his life on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the age of 61. Hattori was involved in a road accident in Huntersville, North Carolina, when his Toyota vehicle crossed the center line on Highway 73 and collided with an oncoming Lexus. The driver of the Lexus sustained non-life-threatening injuries. citeturn0news11

A Storied Racing Career

Born on November 3, 1963, in Okayama, Japan, Hattori’s passion for motorsports ignited at a young age. He began his racing journey in Japan, competing in various series, including Japanese Formula Junior 1600 and Formula 2. In 1992, he moved to the United States to pursue a career in open-wheel racing, participating in the Indy Lights Series from 1996 to 1998. Hattori achieved two victories in his final year, finishing 13th in the championship standings. citeturn0search1

Transitioning to stock car racing, Hattori competed in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starting in 2004. After several years as a driver, he shifted to team ownership, founding Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2008. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success, including a NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2018 with driver Brett Moffitt. citeturn0search0

Tributes from the Racing Community

The news of Hattori’s passing has sent shockwaves through the motorsports community. NASCAR released a statement expressing deep sorrow, highlighting Hattori’s passion for racing and his contributions as a team owner. The statement read, “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 … NASCAR extends its thoughts and prayers to … .” citeturn0news11

Hattori’s legacy extends beyond his on-track achievements. He played a pivotal role in introducing Japanese automotive culture to NASCAR, fostering partnerships that bridged international motorsport communities. His efforts included organizing training programs for Japanese Toyota dealership mechanics and hosting students from Japan’s Toyota Technical colleges, enriching the cultural exchange between Japan and NASCAR. citeturn0search1

Remembering a Motorsport Pioneer

Shigeaki Hattori’s untimely death marks the end of a remarkable journey that spanned continents and left an indelible mark on motorsports. From his early days in Japan to his championship-winning tenure in NASCAR, Hattori’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As the racing community mourns his loss, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of motorsport enthusiasts and professionals.

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