NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Mourns Shigeaki Hattori’s Passing; Corey Heim Retains Top Drivers’ Title Odds

Shigeaki Hattori, a former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner and driver, died last Saturday morning following an automobile accident in Huntersville, North Carolina. He was 61. 

As owner of Hattori Racing Enterprises, Hattori guided the organization to 14 trips to Victory Lane and the 2018 circuit championship with pilot Brett Moffitt. Hattori started his career as a driver and appeared on the IndyCar Series for four seasons (2000-03) and Truck Series (2004). 

Huntersville Police Department officials released a statement Monday, detailing the fatal incident. Police officers responded to an accident call Saturday morning. Hattori was driving westbound on NC Highway 73, near the McGuire Nuclear Station. His 2025 Toyota Crown crossed the center line and struck head-on with an eastbound traveling vehicle. 

Authorities do not believe speeding or impairment played a role in the accident. Hattori was pronounced dead at the scene. 

NASCAR released a statement on Hattori’s passing: “Shigeaki Hattori was a passionate racer and highly successful team owner. But beyond all his team’s statistics, which includes a NASCAR Truck Series championship, Shige was a genuine, beloved member of the garage who worked tirelessly to lift our sport and his people. We are deeply saddened by his tragic passing. NASCAR extends its thoughts and prayers to his family and many friends.”

Out of everything Shigeaki Hattori did in racing, his team winning the 2018 Truck Series championship stands out. They had less than a dozen employees, weren't guaranteed to make it the full season, and won it all anyway.

Hattori credited the quality people he had working for… pic.twitter.com/tEkaGNpy4e

— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) April 7, 2025

Corey Heim Retains Top Sports-Betting Odds 

After a weekend off, the Truck Series returns to action at Bristol Motor Speedway.  

With two wins and three top-five finishes in five outings, Corey Heim continues pacing the series’ driver standings. The No. 11 Toyota driver also remained the sports-betting favorite at +180 to capture the circuit title, according to BetOnline Sportsbook. Ty Majeski (+300) ranked second and Chandler Smith (+450) third.

And the clock strikes Heim Time! @CoreyHeim_ and @UpperDeckSports return to the No. 24 GR Supra at @ItsBristolBaby !!!#HeimTime | #TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/4ZbvMfjOI3

— Sam Hunt Racing (@Team_SHR26) April 8, 2025

2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Odds     

Here is a look at the Week 6 drivers’ odds for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, according to BetOnline Sportsbook: 

*-Odds current at time of publication