Killed in a traffic accident in 2025, whilst still in charge of his Hattori Racing Enterprises team. He crashed near Charlotte after drifting over to the other side of the road, dying of his injuries from a head-on collision. He spent a while driving in NASCAR and Craftsmen trucks before running his team, which competes in the NASCAR Junior Series, and also in NASCAR trucks. The firm also helps promote Japan and young Japanese drivers in US racing. Hattori was a popular fellow who moved to the US in 1996 to race in Indy Lights after a couple of seasons in Japanese Formula 3.

Biography last updated 7 Apr 2025