Queen City News She can’t speak up for herself." - Elizabeth Szumski HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Huntersville Police are investigating after a Blythe Elementary School teacher was allegedly caught kissing a 5-year-old student in the school’s bathroom The student’s mother told Queen City News a staff member saw the kiss and reported it to school officials Elizabeth Szumski’s daughter is nonverbal with autism and the mom knew something was wrong when her child started showing signs she didn’t want to go to school “What else has she endured?” she said “Why has she been crying every day since she started this school?” Those are the questions running through Szumski’s mind after pulling her kindergartener out of her Blythe Elementary classroom “I knew something was wrong at the school,” she said The mom said she noticed behavioral differences in her daughter and went to the school to figure out the problem but administrators didn’t have an answer “There was an incident where a staff member was caught kissing my daughter in the bathroom caught by another staff member,” said Szumski Knowing her 5-year-old can’t communicate what might have happened hurts the most “She can’t tell her side of the story,” she said She can’t speak up for herself.” An incident report shows the staff member was removed from the classroom but not from the school “I’ll never be able to trust somebody again with my child for as long as she goes to school,” she said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders released the following statement: We are aware of an alleged incident involving a staff member we are unable to share any details or information regarding the investigation I want to assure you that we take the safety and well-being of our students very seriously We appreciate and understand your interest in this matter Thank you for your continued support of Blythe Elementary School these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025 Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5 take advantage of these freebies and deals Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHUNTERSVILLE (WBTV) - A person was killed when a car flipped over in Huntersville on Tuesday afternoon Officials said they believe there were technically two crashes: The driver of a 2015 Nissan Armada had been involved in a different crash about a mile down the road but did not stop according to the Huntersville Police Department Jones-Bey then lost control going around a curve The second crash happened on Beatties Ford Road Beatties Ford between Hambright and McCoy roads was closed down for about three hours while crews worked to clear the scene No other information was immediately available NC – A driver who died after a crash in Huntersville had left the scene of an earlier accident Investigators say Nathaniel Jones-Bey was speeding when he lost control of his SUV while going around a curve on Beatties Ford Road near Sample Road on Tuesday afternoon Police say the SUV flipped over after it veered off the right side of the road and struck a large boulder at the base of a stone wall Investigators believe Jones-Bey had been involved in a separate wreck about a mile south of the crash site NC – One person is dead following a crash in Huntersville Tuesday afternoon A car flipped over on Beatties Ford Road near Sample Road Crews closed Beatties Ford Road between Hambright and McCoy roads as police investigated the accident LOWESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A home in Lincoln County caught fire Sunday evening HFD says its Engine 2 and Tanker 2 went to help crews in Lincoln County fight a fire on Killian Farm Road near Sifford Road Officials have not said what sparked the fire or if anyone was injured HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Charlotte man has been identified as the driver who was killed in a serious rollover crash in Huntersville Huntersville officers responded to the crash with an entrapment on Beatties Ford Road near Sample Road they found a 2015 Nissan Armada on its side with one person inside and unresponsive was the only person in the car and died at the scene Investigators said the vehicle was involved in a separate collision about one mile south of the fatal crash scene while going north on Beatties Ford Road Jones-Bey reportedly did not stop following the initial crash Jones-Bey lost control of his vehicle around a curve and hit a large boulder at the base of a stone wall Police said speed is believed to be a factor in the crash and evidence shows he was wearing a seatbelt NC – A traffic alert for drivers in Huntersville NC DOT crews will close Gilead Road over Interstate 77 this weekend to continue work on a new diverging diamond interchange The road closure begins at 10pm Friday and should be finished by 6am on Monday The interchange is part of a $30.8 million project to improve safety and mobility in the area Drivers west of I-77 should take I-77 South to Harris Boulevard cross the bridge and take I-77 North back to Gilead Road Drivers east of I-77 should take I-77 North to N.C cross the bridge and return south on I-77 to get back to Gilead Road Click here for real-time travel information and restaurant opportunities with or without a transit system it again upset some neighbors opposing the plan but they want elected officials to consider infrastructure needs The land is currently zoned for corporate business use the 2040 Plan says it is meant to establish a framework for growth and development while maintaining the character and livability at Huntersville residents hold so dear,” one resident said “Does anyone up here think that slamming apartment complexes on every open acre of our town is maintaining the character of Huntersville?” Infrastructure doesn’t just mean roads It means everything else that comes along with it I just don’t see that it’s here.” Developers of the proposed plan say it would allow for physical and economic growth a key point in the town’s 2040 comprehensive plan would put the mixed-used development right at a stop for the proposed Red Line and open spaces that will be walkable to invite the community It would also create nearly 400 construction jobs and more jobs in the future after building is complete “There needs to be rooftops to activate businesses And this project does that with small businesses and entrepreneurship that will thrive with these new pedestrians,” said one person on the development team The developers submitted modifications that changed the original single-family residential to mixed-use apartments and townhomes located at the transit stop where the red line would come in Developers say it would have 348 total residential units — both apartments and townhomes — and one parking deck and commercial uses the town’s planning director said the “best-case scenario” for completing the Red Line is 8-10 years The timing of the commuter rail is what led to the planning board’s votes in opposition By Luke TuckerPublished: Apr 2025 at 11:21 AM EDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHUNTERSVILLE (WBTV) - A hidden camera was discovered in a hotel bathroom in Huntersville this week Huntersville police said they were called to the Four Points by Sheraton hotel on Tuesday after an employee found the camera in a bathroom near the pool The camera was not connected to a power source and did not have anything to store data Officers seized the camera for further inspection but said the only evidence of a crime committed so far was property damage stemming from a damaged ceiling tile Police said they did not think the camera was placed by a hotel employee and the bathroom was only accessible with a rented room code Investigators were working to figure out how long the camera had been in the bathroom Officers said the hotel was nearly full over the weekend with many people having gone into the bathroom and pool area Four Points by Sheraton is on Northcross Drive Also Read: Billion-dollar casino could be coming to South Carolina if new bill is passed Protests are planned in Charlotte and some surrounding towns Saturday as part of a "National Day of Action" protesting President Donald Trump and his administration according to an email from Rachel Eldridge an organizer with the local progressive group Indivisible CLT Eldridge said protesters plan to meet on the top floor of the parking deck outside of Nordstrom then protest in front of the mall along Sharon Road or Fairview Road A protest is also planned in Huntersville from 1-3 p.m. at the intersection of Statesville Road and Sam Furr Road. The demonstration is organized by Indivisible North Carolina and 50501NC A protest is also planned Saturday in downtown Monroe from 2-4 p.m. 60-year-old Nhan “Tom” Tran was charged with 11 counts of sexual battery and one count of second-degree forced sex Tran was initially facing three charges of sexual battery after police said multiple victims came forward he was released from custody on a $20,000 secured bond --> Previous: Nail tech accused of sexual contact with clients during add-on ‘massages’ at Huntersville salon The alleged incidents happened between Wednesday, Jan. 15, and Monday, Jan. 20 at Lee Nails Spa in the Regency Village Shopping Center just off Sam Furr Road Officers said Tran would offer female customers add-on massages in multiple instances during which he made “unsolicited sexual contact with [the] clients.” The Huntersville Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding these or similar instances to contact Crime Stoppers WSPA 7NEWS Another parent knew something was wrong when her child started showing signs she didn't want to go to school Another parent knew something was wrong when her child started showing signs she didn't want to go to school Car show in Spartanburg to benefit home repairs for Veterans Dry weather for now ahead of a wet end to the week Wade Hampton wins a baseball thriller at B The sheriff's office said a person of interest has been detained Read more: https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/deputies-on-scene-at-shooting-in-anderson-co/ including ones with United Way of Greenville County and United Way of the Piedmont were terminated due to a shift in federal priorities Read more: https://www.wspa.com/news/top-stories/upstate-americorp-members-impacted-as-doge-terminates-grants/(opens in a new tab) More than 3,800 checks will be mailed out to people in South Carolina in the coming weeks as the State Treasurer's Office works to return hundreds of thousands of dollars in unclaimed property Read more: https://www.wspa.com/news/state-news/thousands-of-south-carolinians-could-receive-a-check-from-the-state-treasurers-office-this-month-heres-why/ The Travelers Rest Planning and Development Committee denied the request to annex 19-acres to build "The Inn at Altamont" on Monday night Read more: https://www.wspa.com/news/local-news/request-to-annex-land-for-hotel-on-paris-mountain-denied-whats-next/ The sheriff's office will share video of the shooting on June 18 Read more: https://www.wspa.com/news/1-dead-in-greenville-co-deputy-involved-shooting/ announced Monday that he’s not running for U.S Senate in 2026 against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff READ MORE: https://www.wspa.com/news/state-news/georgia-republican-gov-brian-kemp-wont-run-for-us-senate-seat-in-2026-against-democrat-jon-ossoff/ CATS is proud to provide transportation options for PGA ticketholders Ride complimentary with your digital championship tickets on the day(s) that their tournament tickets are valid The Sharon Road West Park and Ride will be closed to the public during the tournament Get the details on temporary service change by visiting the link below: CATS Micro Pop-Up at Huntersville Gateway Park & Ride Rescheduled The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of disability. To request a reasonable accommodation or translation (free of charge) please email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704.366.7433. Phone: 704.336.7433 Email: telltransit@charlottenc.gov Phone: 704.336.3159 (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Huntersville nail tech is facing new charges after more victims have come forward accusing him of sexual battery.  The alleged assaults date back to at least 2022.  Queen City News spoke with several customers Friday afternoon Some hadn’t even heard about Tran’s arrest and were shocked but said they’ve not personally had bad experiences at the salon The owners of Lee Nails put out the following statement:  the trust and well-being of our clients mean everything to us We are deeply saddened to learn of any distress experienced by anyone in our community and our hearts go out to those who may have been affected.  We want to be clear that the individual in question was an independent contractor and we had no knowledge of any inappropriate behavior We never permitted or authorized any services beyond what is legally allowed under professional licensing regulations The moment we became aware of the concerns we immediately terminated his association with our salon.  We are fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation and we remain committed to doing everything we can to uphold the safety and trust that our clients expect and deserve.  To our valued clients and community — thank you for your continued support We understand that this news may bring concerns and we want to assure you that we are taking this situation very seriously Our priority has always been to provide a safe Anyone who may be a victim should reach out to Huntersville Police.  By Luke TuckerPublished: Feb 2025 at 7:59 AM ESTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInHUNTERSVILLE (WBTV) - A Huntersville man was arrested last week after he allegedly agreed to meet an undercover detective for sex after the man thought the detective was a 13-year-old girl had been communicating with the undercover detective since August 2024 The affidavit said Case and the Huntersville Police Department detective first messaged in an online chat room known for exploiting children and eventually transitioned their conversation to text messages the affidavit said Case “continually” asked the undercover detective “to meet in person for sexual acts.” The affidavit said Case sent explicit images and talked about “various sex acts.” the detective agreed to meet Case at a Target in Huntersville He was arrested that same day and was taken to the Mecklenburg County jail He was charged with soliciting a child by computer He is scheduled to be back in court on March 11 Court records showed Case was given a $30,000 secured bond and was released from jail on Feb Related: Former school resource officer arrested, allegedly had sex with student in South Carolina Construction of the Sales Center and model homes will begin in early spring 2025 and sales are expected to start in late spring 2025 Overbrook Estates will include 357 new homes including ranch and two-story single-family home designs Home buyers will be able to choose from nine exquisite home designs across three collections ranging from 3,030 to 3,905+ square feet Each home will be built with the outstanding quality and value for which Toll Brothers is known Homes are anticipated to be priced starting from the $600,000s Home buyers will experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio The state-of-the-art Design Studio allows home buyers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers professional Design Consultants “We are excited to bring our luxury home brand to the Huntersville community with Overbrook Estates by Toll Brothers,” said Ryan Switzer Division President of Toll Brothers in Charlotte “Conveniently located just off Highway 77 and Gilead and close to Lake Norman this stunning new luxury home community will offer residents resort-style living and easy access to everything this vibrant area has to offer.” Children will have the opportunity to attend school in the Mecklenburg County School District Major highways including Interstates 77 and 485 and Route 73 are easily accessible from Overbrook Estates offering homeowners convenient access to Uptown Charlotte For more information and to join the Toll Brothers interest list for Overbrook Estates, call (866) 232-1719 or visit TollBrothers.com/Charlotte is the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes The Company was founded 57 years ago in 1967 and became a public company in 1986 Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TOL.” The Company serves first-time Toll Brothers builds in over 60 markets in 24 states: Arizona The Company operates its own architectural The Company also develops master-planned and golf course communities as well as operates its own lumber distribution Contact: Andrea Meck | Toll Brothers, Senior Director, Public Relations & Social Media | 215-938-8169 | ameck@tollbrothers.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00efb8b7-140d-4d66-b421-027fcf5a2e3d https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/41410aba-2b25-42e2-8259-4256b403d6e7 Sent by Toll Brothers via Regional Globe Newswire (TOLL-REG) HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Plans for a new commuter rail line are slowly moving forward and that has leaders in northern Mecklenburg County preparing for the future Huntersville commissioners heard their first proposal Tuesday night which factored in plans for the proposed Red Line Projects like this are what developers call “transit-oriented development” Even though the Red Line’s future is up in the air they’re getting ready for what will happen to Huntersville if it comes “It’s good for us to plan ahead for where people are going to live where businesses are going to be so that we can plan for other infrastructure that might be around there like roads and greenways,” said Mayor Christy Clark MORE | Where should Davidson’s Red Line station go? It’s the start of a potential development boom in northern Mecklenburg County.  “It’s going to be a game changer for this area,” said Clark Part of Tuesday night’s conversation at the Huntersville commissioners meeting centered around a 21-acre piece of land off Old Statesville Road near Sam Furr Road The property could eventually be home to a new development made up of apartments “There will be residence and retail and restaurants included in that and that’s what we’re hoping for,” said the mayor so we’re looking forward to more things like that coming to us.” MORE | CATS officials seek public input on the Red Line project It’s right along the tracks and close to where a proposed Red Line station could be built several years down the road Residents who spoke at the meeting were excited about what this project would mean for the area “We’re in favor of the development because it would bring additional foot traffic to the area,” said one man Mayor Clark said that while Tuesday night’s conversation was a first She expects several more projects if the Red Line gets funding HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A JetBlue pilot was arrested at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday after an active NC warrant was discovered during routine screening by U.S while reviewing the manifest for a Boston-to-Paris flight identified an active arrest warrant from North Carolina for one of the crew members Massachusetts State Police was immediately called to the scene for assistance confirmed the warrant was active and subsequently took Gudorf into custody He was then transported to the State Police Barracks for booking Gudorf is expected to appear before the East Boston District Court later Friday According to the Huntersville Police Department Gudorf was wanted on charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor investigators received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children authorities said a search warrant was obtained for Google leading to the identification of the source of the reported images Google complied with the warrant and provided records to Huntersville Police Huntersville investigators secured an arrest warrant for Gudorf on charges of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor Authorities said during their investigation “This case highlights the continued efforts of HPD and our law enforcement partners to combat child exploitation and bring offenders to justice,” Huntersville Police said “We are aware of and closely reviewing the arrest of one of our pilots upon reporting for work at Boston’s Logan Airport Thursday evening due to an outstanding warrant The pilot has been placed on indefinite leave as law enforcement proceeds with the matter.” (WBTV) - A nail technician was arrested on Friday after being accused of making sexual contact with clients during add-on “massages” at a Huntersville salon was charged with three counts of sexual battery on Friday after police said multiple victims came forward Officers said Tran would offer female customers add-on “massages” in multiple instances The Huntersville Police Department encourages anyone with information regarding these or similar instances to contact Crime Stoppers HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — More than 30 people tried swaying town leaders’ decisions on new development in Birkdale Village While most town commissioners voted for the proposed plan neighbors still left feeling unheard — even after representatives from Birkdale’s management firm answered their concerns during Tuesday night’s meeting.  “I was just on Sam Furr Road today… It’s packed,” one woman said.    “So I ask if we already have pedestrian-friendly hotels approved for the area serving visitors without adding congestion in or parking string in Birkdale Village Why approve another hotel that disrupts local businesses and adds unnecessary traffic to the area?” another man said Huntersville neighbors will soon see new construction in Birkdale Village bringing a hotel But people in the community have mixed feelings about it with many hoping to keep Huntersville’s small-town feel.  David Krug owns buildings along the road where the development will be he – like many who visit the iconic mixed-use village — is concerned about parking.  “We’re totally dependent upon the parking that Birkdale built “We paid for it and the purchase price of the land and we pay for it in community maintenance charges and then they’re going to take it away Representatives from the Jamestown Real Estate Management Firm say the original vision for Birkdale Village was planned in 1999 They say this rezoning is the next step in achieving that vision.  “I am excited for my business,” one businesswoman said in support of the proposal.   “Partners who travel from a corporate office will have a boutique hotel experience here in town and they won’t fever our South Park location to where they have to have the full-service hotel experience there They’ll be able to bring their business here.”  town board members asked for more reassurance from the developers about parking and other concerns — before taking their vote.  “For this board to ignore the next phase in its evolution would simply be short-sighted,” said Commissioner Nick Walsh I get that this board has shown that it has the vision to do the right thing and approval.”  Commissioner Amanda Dumas was the lone dissenting vote the Town of Huntersville voted in favor of progress aligned with its 2040 Comprehensive Plan,” said Jamestown Director of Development and Construction Frances Bohn “We commend the town board for its forward-looking leadership and are grateful for the opportunity to continue investing in Huntersville.”  Commissioners negotiated with the developer to aid with building a pedestrian bridge across Sam Furr to help with traffic congestion.   Leaders say Birkdale Village went from being the third-largest tax producer in 2014 to the largest producer in 2024.  Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Hunt wanted neighbors to understand that commissioners do listen to constituents and they have listened on this proposal but that doesn’t mean it’ll always end in agreement.  HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Huntersville man is facing a slew of charges after several domestic violence incidents resulted in the discovery of suspected devices of mass destruction inside his home in the 17000 block of Huntersville Commons Drive Authorities said the arrest stemmed from an investigation into domestic violence incidents that occurred in September and November this year Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area 🚨 >> Latest stories here a search warrant was executed at Coleman’s home With the assistance of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Bomb Squad and the ATF; suspected devices of mass destruction along with several firearms and ammunition were found and seized Coleman has been charged with the following: Coleman is currently being held without bond at the Mecklenburg County Jail Anyone with further information in this case is asked to call Huntersville Det (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A controversial rezoning passed Monday night to pave the way for two local businesses to come to downtown Huntersville.  It came down to a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Christy Clark.  abandoned homes on Gilead Road will bring a bookstore and cafe plus another brick-and-mortar venture by the owners of The Dumpling Girls to town The approved general zoning change was from a Neighborhood Residential designation to Town Center on 1.1 combined acres.  The commissioners who opposed didn’t have an issue with the proposed businesses themselves but the path that was taken to make them a reality.  “Seeing the growth is amazing,” said Commissioner LaToya Rivers “I’m excited about what the revitalization of downtown will be I struggle with having general rezoning in downtown We still need to make sure it aligns with the vision of downtown Huntersville I cannot agree with it being zoned in our downtown area.”  Opponents argued a conditional rezoning was needed instead or didn’t want to see more change downtown the town purchased the property long occupied by the Cashion’s convenience store Much of the downtown planning is in preparation of the Red Line passenger rail proposed to come through the area. The town’s planning staff determined the rezoning was consistent with the 2040 Huntersville Community Plan: The parcels are located within the town’s Tier 1 and 2 downtown designations that encourage commercial office and/or residential development that are up to four stories.  Clark said it wasn’t an easy call on her part but wanted to show her support for small businesses.  “I will approve the petition of this rezoning because it’s consistent with the Downtown Plan and 2040 Plan because I’m a longtime supporter of small business I have faith in the applicants that they will do what they say they are to do.”  The rezoning initially included two other parcels on the other side of Gilead but they were removed from the petition.  and Nick Walsh also voted in favor of it “This creates a vibrant downtown,” Hunt said I unequivocally support the rezoning.”  HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A gas line rupture closed a road for hours in Huntersville Tuesday afternoon The fire department responded to Huntersville-Concord Road at Glendale Drive around noon after a large natural gas line was cut Crews have been on the scene for several hours trying to fix the break They also monitor the area for natural gas levels to ensure the scene is safe Residents are asked to avoid the area while crews work and expect detours Those in the area can expect to smell gas in the surrounding are Officials have not said when the road is expected to reopen MA – A JetBlue pilot is facing a serious charge involving alleged child porn crime in Huntersville Jeremy Gudorf was about to fly a plane from Boston to Paris when he was arrested Thursday on a child sex crimes charge 33-year-old Gudorf had child porn on his computer in October 2024 when he lived in North Carolina He’s facing a charge of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor This is what the prosecutor told the judge about keeping him in jail: “The warrant is obviously out of North Carolina we ask that he be held without bail and surrender his passport,” said prosecutor Kyle Neyman The judge did not force Gudorf to turn over his passport He ordered Gudorf to return to North Carolina by next Tuesday JetBlue said he is on “indefinite leave” and they are “closely reviewing the arrest.” HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Five people are hurt following a multi-vehicle accident Thursday morning in Huntersville according to Medic and emergency personnel Huntersville Fire reported crews were responding to a multi-vehicle wreck along NC Hwy 73 on the bridge over the Catawba River Crews reported the area near the McGuire Nuclear Station was very icy Firefighters had to rescue at least one person who was trapped inside their vehicle Medic confirmed with Queen City News five people were hurt in the accident Mecklenburg and Lincoln County units responded to the crash scene it’s been the “most severe here in Huntersville.” Huntersville Fire said the bridge would remain closed until the icy conditions could be addressed and corrected NASCAR team owner Shigeaki Hattori died in a crash in Huntersville on Saturday NC – A former driver and NASCAR team owner died in a crash in Huntersville on Saturday Huntersville police say Shigeaki Hattori’s car crossed the center line on Highway 73 near McGuire Nuclear Station Road and crashed into an SUV The driver of the SUV has non life-threatening injuries Investigators do not believe speed or impairment were contributing factors in the crash Hattori opened Hattori Racing Enterprises in 2008 HRE competes part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East Hattori captured the Japan Formula Toyota championship in 1994 and moved to the United States the following year to race open-wheel cars He won a pair of Indy Lights races in 1998 and made two starts in the Indianapolis 500 Hattori made the transition to stock cars and drove a Toyota Tundra in the Craftsman Truck Series The team has fielded cars for Johnny Sauter His race team won the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship with Brett Moffitt Hattori competed in the CART and IndyCar Series The NASCAR community is remembering Hattori in posts on social media The NASCAR family mourns the loss of Shigeaki “Shige” Hattori — NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 7, 2025 We are saddened to learn of the passing of Shigeaki Hattori The Japanese-born racer was a two-time INDY NXT by Firestone race winner in 1998 and competed in 33 INDYCAR SERIES events over multiple seasons, including starts in the Indianapolis 500 in 2002 and 2003. He was 61. pic.twitter.com/kWFPWQN9rF — NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) April 7, 2025