Bubba Wallace Mourns the Tragic Loss of Ex-NASCAR Team Owner Shigeaki Hattori
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Bubba Wallace, the talented driver from 23XI Racing, has broken his silence on the untimely passing of his former team owner, Shigeaki Hattori. The NASCAR community was left reeling after the shocking news of Hattori’s death in a tragic accident at the age of 61.
Shigeaki Hattori was not just a team owner; he was a pillar of support for many budding stars in the stock car racing world. Known for giving opportunities to drivers like Brett Moffitt, Ryan Truex, Austin Hill, and Tyler Ankrum, as well as nurturing talents like Bubba Wallace, Alex Bowman, Ross Chastain, and Christopher Bell, Hattori Racing Enterprises played a significant role in shaping the landscape of NASCAR.
Bubba Wallace, deeply affected by the loss of Hattori, shared his fond memories of the ex-racer who always went out of his way to greet him during race weeks. Wallace expressed his grief, stating, “Damn this hurts, Shige was always going out of his way to say hello… We lost a good one. RIP my brother!”
The tragic incident occurred on North Carolina Highway 73, where Hattori’s vehicle collided with another car. While Shigeaki Hattori lost his life in the accident, the other driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries, adding to the somber mood that has befallen the racing community.
NASCAR, in a statement addressing the unexpected loss, hailed Hattori as a passionate racer and a successful team owner. The organization mourned the passing of a champion and emphasized Hattori’s genuine nature and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Shigeaki Hattori’s journey from Japan to the pinnacles of American motorsports, spanning IndyCar, NASCAR, and CARTS series, is a testament to his indelible mark on the racing world. While his untimely demise has left a void in the hearts of many, his legacy will endure through the storied halls of Hattori Racing Enterprises.
The racing fraternity stands united in mourning the loss of a true legend, Shigeaki Hattori, whose contributions to the sport will forever be remembered.
