In a startling turn of events, Shigeaki Hattori, a renowned racer and championship-winning team owner, passed away too soon, leaving the motorsports community in sadness. The business was rocked by the tragic event, which happened during a three-car crash on a fateful Saturday morning. About 30 minutes west of Charlotte, North Carolina, on I-77 northbound in Mecklenburg County, the deadly collision occurred at around 9:15 a.m. EST. Tragically, Hattori crossed the center line while driving a 2025 Toyota Crown, causing a terrifying collision with another car. The beloved racer died in the horrific accident, while other participants suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Huntersville Police Department officials verified the devastating news Monday morning, providing more information on the crash. Initial findings indicate that speeding and impairment were not contributing causes to the catastrophic occurrence, despite ongoing investigations. Hattori, a native of Okayama, Japan, moved to the US in 1995 and quickly established himself in the open-wheel racing world. Hattori’s career was filled with both successes and setbacks. He competed as an Indy Lights driver, CART, and IndyCar racer. Hattori made the switch from open-wheel racing to stock cars in the middle of the 2000s, and his entry into NASCAR was both successful and fraught with difficulties. Despite obstacles in his personal racing pursuits, his foray into team ownership with Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2008 marked a new chapter in his motorsports legacy.
In the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series, Hattori Racing Enterprises made waves under his leadership, developing up-and-coming talent and winning races with drivers like Ross Chastain and Alex Bowman. When driver Brett Moffitt won the NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2018, Hattori and his hardworking crew achieved the ultimate goal of their tenure as team owners. Even though Hattori has recently reduced his schedule to a partial one, his influence on NASCAR’s lower divisions will never be forgotten. The racing community is in shock over the passing of a real visionary who, according to his crew, had “relentless drive, focus, and competitive spirit.”
Shigeaki Hattori’s reputation endures in the hearts of drivers, spectators, and industry insiders alike, even as the motorsports community struggles with this devastating loss. The history of racing will never forget his fervor, sense of humor, and unshakable commitment to the sport.
