Dear Friends,
Our dear friend Shige Hattori, owner of Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE), was involved in a fatal car accident this past weekend in North Carolina. This is difficult news for many as Shige was a good friend of AISIN Japan and AISIN World Corp. of America.
Shige was a true friend to many here at AISIN, and it would be impossible to overstate the impact he had on our company. What began as business relationships often blossomed into genuine personal friendships. Shige had a rare ability to make friends effortlessly. It wasn’t unusual for him to pick up the phone just to say hello or show up unannounced at an AISIN event. If we ever needed VIP treatment for a special guest or customer at one of his races, Shige went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. Even as he worked in the pit, headset on, directing the team, he made sure our guests were comfortable, well-fed, and that the VIP seats met their expectations. The hospitality he offered was one of a kind—we affectionately called it Hattori Hospitality.
Our relationship with Shige began in 2003 when he drove the AISIN-sponsored Toyota-Dallara in the Indy 500 for legendary A.J. Foyt Racing. In 2008, Shige launched Hattori Racing Enterprises (HRE), which quickly became a NASCAR powerhouse. Under his leadership, HRE emerged as a championship contender, with multiple entries in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Xfinity Series, including a Truck Series championship in 2018.
Despite the demands of running a successful business and managing a hectic racing schedule, Shige always made time to visit AISIN plants. He loved sharing his passion for racing, often bringing his race car or truck to our plants so team members could learn about the sport. Meeting Shige in person, taking photos with him, and hearing his stories always left everyone inspired. While he was a true celebrity in the world of motorsports, Shige never sought the spotlight for himself. He was a quiet, humble leader who put others first, embodying integrity and generosity in everything he did.
We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Shige and HRE, and of the bold AISIN logo that adorned the No. 16 Toyota Tundra and No. 61 Toyota Supra. Today, though, as we remember Shige’s impact, we are deeply saddened by the loss of a friend. Shige will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the HRE team during this difficult time.
Scott Turpin
President & COO
