Bubba Wallace pays tribute to Shige Hattori following his sudden passing. The driver also said he would do something “special” to remember his late colleague, prompting a huge reaction from…
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Bubba Wallace Pays Emotional Tribute After Shige Hattori’s Tragic Passing—“A True Pioneer of the Sport” 💔
The racing world is mourning the heartbreaking and sudden loss of Shige Hattori, former driver and owner of Hattori Racing Enterprises, who passed away unexpectedly late Tuesday evening. As news of his death spread, tributes poured in from all corners of motorsport—but one of the most heartfelt came from Bubba Wallace, who credited Hattori as “a quiet giant who changed the game.”
In a moving post shared on his Instagram and X accounts, Wallace wrote:
“Rest easy, Shige. You believed in talent when no one else did. You paved roads for so many of us, especially those who never fit the mold. You didn’t just build race cars—you built dreams. Thank you for everything. I owe you more than words can say.”
Hattori, a trailblazer from Japan who made his mark in American motorsports both behind the wheel and as a team owner, was beloved for his passion, integrity, and relentless support for diverse talent. His team famously won the NASCAR Truck Series championship in 2018 with Brett Moffitt and consistently supported rising stars—including drivers from underrepresented backgrounds.
While Hattori and Wallace never officially raced together, the respect between the two was mutual and deep-rooted. Wallace previously credited Hattori in interviews as someone who “quietly moved mountains in the garage” and helped shift the culture of NASCAR toward greater inclusivity.
Fans and fellow drivers have taken to social media using the hashtag #ThankYouShige to honor his legacy.
Truck Series driver Tyler Ankrum wrote, “He believed in me when I was just a kid with a helmet and a dream.”
Natalie Decker added, “The paddock feels darker today.”
No official cause of death has been released, but statements from the Hattori Racing team confirm that he passed away “peacefully but unexpectedly” surrounded by loved ones.
As the NASCAR community prepares to honor his legacy during the upcoming race weekend, one thing is clear: Shige Hattori didn’t just leave tire marks on the track—he left a permanent impression on the hearts of those he helped rise.
