Indianapolis, Indiana – The motorsports world is remembering Shigeaki Hattori, a respected racer and team owner who passed away in a car accident on April 5 in Huntersville, North Carolina. Hattori was 61 years old.
Born in Okayama, Japan, Hattori made a name for himself as one of only eight Japanese-born drivers to compete in the legendary Indianapolis 500. His presence at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway left a lasting impact, and his contributions extended far beyond the driver’s seat. Hattori’s path to international motorsports success was paved with determination, versatility, and a deep love for racing.
Hattori competed at Indy three times, with two official starts in the iconic 500-mile race. In 2001, he was the first alternate to the 33-car field. The following year, he earned a spot with Bradley Motorsports and finished 20th after completing 197 laps. In 2003, while driving for the legendary AJ Foyt Racing team, mechanical issues ended his day early, placing him 30th.
Read also: Sterling Real Estate confirms that the company is now under new ownership
His time in the INDYCAR SERIES spanned four seasons from 1999 to 2003. Over 34 starts, his best finish came in 2002 at Texas Motor Speedway, where he brought home a strong sixth-place result. It was a testament to his steady development as a driver in one of the sport’s most competitive environments.
Hattori’s journey to American motorsports began in 1995, when he moved to the United States at the age of 32. He began competing in Indy Lights, now known as INDY NXT by Firestone, and quickly showed promise. Driving for Indy Regency Racing, he claimed victories at Homestead-Miami Speedway and World Wide Technology Raceway, starting in the top three for both events.
In 1999, Hattori stepped up to the Champ Car World Series with Bettenhausen Motorsports, making eight starts. The next year, he joined the Indy Racing League and secured four top-10 finishes in just five starts with Treadway Racing. Throughout his INDYCAR SERIES career, he drove for five different teams, each with different engine partnerships — a reflection of his adaptability behind the wheel.
After stepping away from driving, Hattori continued to make his mark in motorsports through team ownership, especially in NASCAR. He participated in 10 Truck Series races as a driver before shifting his focus to Hattori Racing Enterprises. The team soon became a respected presence in NASCAR’s Truck Series, with a roster that included Johnny Sauter, Alex Bowman, Ross Chastain, and others.
Hattori’s most notable success as an owner came in 2018, when Brett Moffitt captured the NASCAR Truck Series championship driving for Hattori Racing Enterprises — a crowning achievement that highlighted his leadership and commitment to excellence.
News of his passing has left a void in both the INDYCAR and NASCAR communities. Friends, fans, and fellow racers have remembered him not only for his racing talent but for his kindness, humility, and relentless work ethic.
“Shigeaki Hattori was a fierce competitor and a respected figure in the racing world,” said one fan on social media. “His legacy will continue through the many drivers he helped along the way.”
From the tracks of Japan to the most iconic ovals in America, Hattori’s legacy spans decades and disciplines. His journey was one of bold ambition and quiet strength, and he leaves behind a deep and lasting impression on the sport he loved.
