The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NorthernLight IRL: Shigeaki Hattori to Start at the Texas Motor Speedway

13 May 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Indianapolis, IN: Treadway Racing and Shigeaki Hattori announced today their entry into the Casino Magic 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway on June 10. Hattori will make his Indy Racing Northern Light Series (IRNL) debut in the #55 Treadway Racing-Vertex/Cunningham Racing entry featuring sponsorship from Epson America.

Originally from Okayama, Japan, the 36 year-old driver boasts many strong career finishes including 15 victories and 38 podium finishes between 1990 and 1998. He has run in such series as: Indy Lights, Formula Atlantics, Formula Toyota Esso Challenge Cup and the FJ 1600 series. While this will be his first start, the Japanese driver will continue for the rest of the season with Treadway as a teammate to Robby McGehee-driver of the #5 Mall.com entry.

After successfully passing the 4 phases of the Indy 500 Rookie Orientation Program in April, Hattori has been running a comprehensive testing program in preparation for his first IRNL race and is excited to be running at such a noteworthy track. Shigeaki quotes " Although I've had a late start this season, I am confident that with the extensive testing I'll be able to concentrate on my first race in Texas. I'm looking forward to a good season with Treadway and the IRL Series."

The #55 Epson entry will be run at the Indianapolis 500 by Treadway Racing-Vertex/Cunningham Racing with noted "Indy" veteran Raul Boesel at the wheel. Boesel has 11 Indianapolis 500 starts under his belt with a total of two top five finishes, four top ten finishes and a career total at Indy of $2, 060, 634. He will join Treadway stable mates Robby McGehee and Jason Leffler for the 84th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Epson is a world leader in digital imaging technology and offers a complete line of printers, scanners, digital cameras, and multi-media projectors. The company is also a leading supplier of point-of-sale (POS) systems and peripherals for the retail market. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Epson America employs over 600 people in North America. EPSON America is the U.S. affiliate of Japan-based Seiko-Epson Corporation.

Text provided by Ruthie Culbertson

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.