MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Team owner Shige Hattori is expanding his Hattori Motorsports operation into the realm of sports car racing with the addition of a Toyota GR Supra entry in the SRO GT4 America Series.
While Hattori recently expanded Hattori Racing Enterprise’s NASCAR program to include two entries in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the formation of a GT4 program will feature up-and-coming driver Seth Lucas and sports car veteran Matt Plumb piloting the team’s Toyota GR Supra.
Lucas is a 16-year-old native of Powell, Ohio, who began his career in go-karts at age 12 and made his sports car debut in 2020. Lucas earned his first sports car podium in February of 2021 and captured a third-place finish in his Trans Am debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
“I am thrilled to be a part of Hattori Motorsports’ expansion into sports car racing,” Lucas said. “Being able to drive the Toyota GR Supra is a dream come true. I really felt comfortable in the car during pre-season testing and having Matt Plumb as a teammate with his experience level is going to be a huge help. I’m optimistic for the season and look forward to gaining experience and help build the HM sports car program.”
Plumb joins HM after building a career both behind the wheel and also in team management and driver coaching. The 47-year-old veteran brings a race-winning pedigree to HM’s sports car program, with his 2013 IMSA Sports Car Challenge GS championship.
“I’m grateful to Shige (Hattori) and everyone at HM for inviting me to race with them and I look forward to sharing the knowledge I have to succeed in the sports car program,” Plumb said. “The partnership between Seth and I is a great fit. He is intelligent, talented and has the drive to be a winner. I’m excited to share my experience with him and help build this program.”
Hattori looks forward to the challenge of establishing a sports car program as the NASCAR program continues to grow.
“We are very excited to expand our program and diversify our efforts with a GT4 sports car team,” Hattori said. “We’ve had a lot of success winning races and titles on the NASCAR side over recent years and feel like this is the right time to expand to sports car competition. I’ve watched Seth race since he ran go-karts and am looking forward to watching him develop in our Toyota GR Supra. Matt Plumb has a great deal of experience that will be able to help Seth and speed up the development of our program.”