Shigeaki "Shige" Hattori, the determined team owner who overcame significant challenges to secure NASCAR’s 2018 Truck Series title, passed away on Saturday, April 5, due to a vehicular accident in Huntersville, North Carolina. He was 61 years old.
The racer-turned-owner who was born in Japan has become an iconic figure in the garage world, merging unwavering determination with charming wit. Both fans, fellow drivers, and NASCAR alike are now commemorating Hattori’s enduring impact.
The news of Hattori’s death led to an overwhelming display of admiration, highlighting how he transformed stories of underdogs within a sporting world ruled by towering figures. Starting from his beginnings as an aspiring IndyCar driver until establishing Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE), his career embodied perseverance.
Shigeaki Hattori’s Path from Open-Wheel Beginnings to Truck Series Triumph
In 1995, Hattori departed from Japan with aspirations for a racing career that others deemed unachievable. By 1998, he had made significant progress, securing victories in the Indy Lights series and subsequently qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 twice. However, his achievements in open-wheel racing were short-lived. Unwilling to be discouraged, he shifted gears towards NASCAR beginning in 2004—a bold transition into a motorsport deeply rooted in Southern culture at the time.
Hattori's driving career faced challenges, recording six Did Not Finishes in his first ten Truck Series appearances. However, these setbacks spurred him towards transformation. In 2008, he established Hattori Racing Enterprises, an underdog team that consistently overperformed despite limited resources.
Owning teams under HRE and Hattori Motorsports became his true calling and the focus of his professional journey. His exceptional ability to infuse a lighthearted spirit and unparalleled wit into his racing crews has left an indelible mark, HRE’s statement read.
A former coworker, Robin Trivette, expressed similar sentiments: "He was such an amazing person. It was wonderful working under him and witnessing his passion for the sport along with his consistently upbeat demeanor. Rest in peace."
The team's championship push in 2018 with Brett Moffitt left everyone in the garage astounded. Despite being overshadowed by powerhouses such as Kyle Busch Motorsports, HRE thrived thanks to clever tactics and Hattori’s direct involvement and guidance.
Collective Grief Underscores a History of Resilience and Compassion
NASCAR issued a statement mourning Hattori’s death.
Shigeaki Hattori was not only an enthusiastic driver and immensely successful team proprietor, but also a true and cherished part of our racing community who dedicated himself fully to elevating our sport and supporting those around him. His untimely death has left us profoundly grief-stricken. NASCAR conveys its deepest sympathies to his loved ones and numerous friends.
The feeling echoed across the internet. Spotted by Zach Mecca, who teamed up with HRE, tweeted I had fantastic collaborations with him in 2020 and 2021 when he managed the number 61 car for Austin Hill in the Xfinity series. Our thoughts go out to this wonderful person’s family as we mourn his passing.
A supporter pointed out Hattori’s talent for generating “entertaining instances” and presenting sleek, well-prepared vehicles.
Beyond his own accolades, Hattori provided opportunities for emerging talents such as Austin Hill.
Provided Austin Hill with an unforgettable moment, a fan noted .
The incident, happening when Hattori’s Toyota veered across the median on the expressway, continues to be examined. Factors such as speeding and intoxication have been dismissed, yet this has left the motorsports community struggling to comprehend the harsh unpredictability of it all.
However, Hattori’s tale remains resilient. He demonstrated that zeal knows no boundaries—whether moving from Okayama to Indianapolis or transitioning from IndyCar to NASCAR’s elite circuit. With numerous accolades accumulating, his 2018 championship serves as an inspiration for those at odds with convention, honoring a person who competed, constructed, and motivated others uncompromisingly.
Rest in peace, Shige.