Japanese-born racing driver and NASCAR Truck Series team owner Shige Hattori has died. He was 61 and died in a car accident. Hattori went on to drive in the Indy 500 and found his own team.
Former racing driver and current NASCAR Truck Series team owner, Shige Hattori, has died. He was 61 years old.
Hattori died in a car accident on Saturday, April 5, in Huntersville, North Carolina. He was known for his team Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE) and had a history of competing in the Indy 500, among other events.
Shigeaki "Shige" Hattori was born in Okayama, Japan. He moved to the United States in the 1990s to pursue his dream of becoming a racing driver in the open-wheel classes.
His talent behind the wheel quickly propelled him forward. He achieved success in the Indy NXT series, winning two races for Firestone. Those results helped open doors.
Hattori reached one of the pinnacles of motorsports. He qualified for and twice competed in the famous Indianapolis 500. That's a remarkable feat for any racing driver.
His passion for motorsports led him to NASCAR, where he competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) in the 2004 and 2005 seasons. This was his next chapter in motorsports.
From IndyCar to NASCAR owner
After his time as an active driver in the series, Hattori took a new step. He shifted his focus from driving the car himself to owning a team. This happened in 2008, when he founded Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE).
Running his own racing team quickly became his passion. Leading HRE was described as his life's work. He dedicated his time and energy to the team.
His commitment paid off. HRE developed into a competitive team in the NASCAR Truck Series, achieving several victories under his leadership.
Over the years, Hattori Racing Enterprises won a total of 14 NCTS races. Those victories cemented the team's position in the series, demonstrating Hattori's abilities as a team owner.
The ultimate success came in 2018, when Hattori Racing Enterprises won the NASCAR Truck Series championship. It was the crowning achievement for Shige Hattori's ownership.
Hattori Racing Enterprise's success
People close to Shige Hattori describe him as a man with enormous drive. He was known for his focus and competitive spirit. These qualities characterized his approach to motorsport.
In addition to his professional commitment, he was also known for something else. He had the ability to bring a light atmosphere and high humor to the paddock, according to a press release from HRE.
His unique personality and contribution to motorsport will be remembered. He left a significant mark on the racing world, especially through the success of HRE.
Shige Hattori was 61 years old. His death was the result of a car accident that occurred on Saturday morning, April 5. The accident occurred in Huntersville, North Carolina.
The world of motorsport has lost a dedicated figure, both as a driver and later as a successful team owner.
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