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NASCAR Releases Statement On Team Owner's Death

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Apr 7, 2025 11:26 AM ET

The NASCAR world is mourning the loss of Shigeaki Hattori, a former driver and team owner.

Hattori, 61, was killed in a car crash in North Carolina on Saturday morning. The Huntersville Police Department said the Japanese-born Hattori was driving westbound on NC Highway 73 around 9:15 a.m. ET Saturday when his car crossed the centerline into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle.

Hattori reportedly died at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle, a Lexus, was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

After competing as a driver on the IndyCar and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Hattori moved into team ownership. In 2018, Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) won the Craftsman Truck Series championship with driver Brett Moffitt.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 18: Shigeaki Hattori, driver of the #9 Aisin/Aisin AW Toyota, is kissed by Deborah Renshaw (L), driver of the #8 Easycare Service Contracts Dodge and Kelly Sutton, driver of the Team Coaxone Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Florida Dodge Dealers 250 on February 18, 2005 at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)Jamie Squire/Getty Images

“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 statement Monday.

"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.”

NASCAR also released a statement on Hattori's death earlier today.

“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,” the statement read. “We are deeply saddened by his tragic passing. NASCAR extends its thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends.”

We would also like to extend our prayers and condolences to Hattori's family and friends at this difficult time.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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