Former IndyCar driver Shigeaki Hattori dies

The Japanese driver was involved in a traffic accident with another vehicle in Huntersville, North Carolina. The driver of the other car involved suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while Shigeaki Hattori died instantly. Author of 33 starts in IndyCar, including two at the Indianapolis 500 (in 2002 and 2003), Hattori mainly achieved success by founding his own racing team NASCAR, Hattori Racing Enterprises, in 2008.

Ten years later, the team reached its finest hour, with the Truck Series title won by Brett Moffitt. “It is with broken hearts that we confirm the passing of Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori, on April 5, 2025 in Huntersville, following a traffic accident. He was 61 years old,” his team said. “Born in Okayama, Japan, Shige moved to the United States with the dream of becoming a carHe won two INDY NXT races and twice started the Indianapolis 500. Shige was known for his hard-nosed spirit and his passion. He had a knack for injecting a little cheer into every team he joined or led.

The entire AUTOhebdo editorial team extends its sincere condolences to Shigeaki Hattori's loved ones.