Former IndyCar driver and NASCAR team owner Shigeaki Hattori has died at the age of 61 after a car crash.
Hattori’s death was confirmed by police in Huntersville, North Carolina on Monday. The crash in question occurred on Saturday morning.
According to preliminary investigations, Hattori’s vehicle – a 2025 Toyota Crown – was traveling west when it crossed the median and into the oncoming lane when he collided with another vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police don’t believe speed was an issue, nor do they believe Hattori was driving under the influence.
Hattori raced in the IndyCar and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and later stuck with the sport by transitioning to ownership.
His Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) team competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the Truck Series, and multiple ARCA Menards Series.
‘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 said in a Monday statement. ‘… 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.’
MORE TO FOLLOW.
