Shane Hmiel
Encyclopedia
Shane Hmiel is a former American racecar driver. He was paralyzed in a near fatal racing accident on October 9, 2010. He is the son of Steve Hmiel, former NASCAR crew chief and current Competition Director for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
.
In 2001, he was the Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series, with two wins and 13 top-10 finishes, finishing fifth in points.
In 2002 and 2003, he was a Busch Series competitor. Hmiel's best NASCAR effort came at Indianapolis Raceway Park in August 2003, where he won the pole, led the most laps and staged a very competitive battle with Brian Vickers. Vickers won, and Hmiel finished fourth. However, in September 2003, he was suspended indefinitely for failing a drug test (see below).
He was reinstated in 2004 and was picked up by Craftsman Truck series owner Billy Ballew Motorsports
, a Busch
ride with Braun Racing
and a Cup
ride with Bill Davis Racing
. He was in a series of commercials with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
during the early part of the 2005 NASCAR season that dealt with his title sponsor WinFuel multivitamins.
In his return to the Busch Series, he got into a very heated incident with Dale Jarrett
during the Sharpie
250 at Bristol
. When Jarrett leaned into Hmiel's window to question why Hmiel had spun him out, Hmiel flipped the middle finger toward Jarrett that were captured live on national television (especially the finger gesture
pointed at Jarrett). Hmiel was fined $10,000 USD
and docked 25 points in the standings for the incident.
Hmiel failed a drug test at Dover
in 2005, and was escorted from the garage by NASCAR officials. After failing a third drug test in early 2006, Hmiel was banned from NASCAR for life (see below).
During his four-year NASCAR career, Hmiel appeared in seven Nextel Cup races, 83 Busch races, and 29 Truck Series races. He had one win: in the Truck Series' Las Vegas 350 in 2004.
Hmiel violated NASCAR's substance abuse policy when he tested positive for heroin in 2003. At the time, he was the highest-profile driver to fail such a test. Hmiel was suspended from September 2003 to January 2004, then reinstated after NASCAR's demands were satisfied. In 2005 he tested positive for marijuana and cocaine
, and was suspended "indefinitely" starting in May 2005. Hmiel was offered a chance at reinstatement after his second infraction, under condition that he submit to medical and psychological reviews, and frequent drug testing before reinstatement. In February, 2006, Hmiel failed a drug test, and was banned for life. He stated on WindTunnel with Dave Despain
on April 4, 2010, over four years since, that his ban was the best thing that's happened to him.
Hmiel was not paid his 2005 salary for races prior to the suspension, as Braun Racing
alleged that Hmiel signed the contract in bad faith due to health concerns. Under oath, Hmiel admitted that he violated NASCAR's substance abuse policy with a positive test for marijuana in 2003 and a positive test for marijuana and cocaine in 2005. Hmiel admitted that he "may have used heroin on a regular basis" prior to failing the first NASCAR test, but denied he was using drugs on a regular basis (at least once a week) in 2005. Hmiel denied that he'd tested positive for heroin at any time from 2003–2005, and testified that he was not under the influence of any drug at any time while he was racing. The disposition of the lawsuit is unknown.
Hmiel competed in all three national touring divisions of the United States Auto Club in the USAC Silver Crown Series, the USAC National Sprint Car Series, and the USAC National Midget Series.
In 2009, Hmiel earned his first USAC-sanctioned win in the Sprint Car division at Iowa Speedway
and scored a then-career-best dirt track finish of second in the Four Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway
. Hmiel earned post-season honors as USAC's "Most Improved Driver." He was also named the Rookie of the Year in the 2009 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma
.
In 2010, he earned his first career Midget Series victory in front of family and friends at Hickory Motor Speedway
less than an hour from Mooresville, North Carolina
, where he currently resides. The momentum from that victory carried on to other divisions. In the Sprint Car division, he broke the world speed record for a non-winged Sprint Car at Iowa Speedway, winning the pole with an average speed of 146.444 miles per hour. In addition the speed record, he earned three victories, all on pavement, at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis
(twice) and Salem Speedway
. In the Silver Crown division, he earned his first career series win and first dirt track win in the Hoosier Hundred race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
He was slated to make his Firestone Indy Lights debut at Chicagoland Speedway
for the Chicagoland 100 on August 28, 2010, but a back injury kept him from competing in the race.
Away from the track, Hmiel is a co-host on the syndicated racing-themed television show "3 Wide Life."
Earnhardt Ganassi Racing
Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is a NASCAR team based in Concord, North Carolina, United States, owned by Dale Earnhardt's widow Teresa Earnhardt, Chip Ganassi, and Felix Sabates. This team was formed when Dale Earnhardt, Inc...
.
NASCAR career
Shane Hmiel was one of the more controversial drivers in NASCAR, failing three separate drug tests and ultimately being banned for life.In 2001, he was the Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series, with two wins and 13 top-10 finishes, finishing fifth in points.
In 2002 and 2003, he was a Busch Series competitor. Hmiel's best NASCAR effort came at Indianapolis Raceway Park in August 2003, where he won the pole, led the most laps and staged a very competitive battle with Brian Vickers. Vickers won, and Hmiel finished fourth. However, in September 2003, he was suspended indefinitely for failing a drug test (see below).
He was reinstated in 2004 and was picked up by Craftsman Truck series owner Billy Ballew Motorsports
Billy Ballew Motorsports
Billy Ballew Motorsports is a team that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. They were formed in 1996 by Georgia businessman Billy Ballew. They currently field the #51 Bullet Liner F-150 for Colin Braun.- Fasscore Motorsports :...
, a Busch
Busch Series
The NASCAR Nationwide Series is a stock car racing series owned and operated by the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing. It is promoted as NASCAR's "minor league" circuit, and is a proving ground for drivers who wish to step up to the organization's "big leagues"; the Sprint Cup circuit...
ride with Braun Racing
Braun Racing
Braun Racing was a NASCAR racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. The team was sold to Steve Turner in September 2010. The Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series teams remain active under Turner Motorsports. Following the announcement of the purchase, Turner Motorsports announced that they had...
and a Cup
NEXTEL Cup
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is the top racing series of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing . The series was originally known as the Strictly Stock Series and Grand National Series . While leasing its naming rights to R. J...
ride with Bill Davis Racing
Bill Davis Racing
Bill Davis Racing was a racing team that participated in all three of NASCAR's top divisions until 2009.The team had run Toyota-branded stock cars and trucks in both the Camping World Truck Series and Sprint Cup Series since 2007. Dodge, Ford, and Pontiac previously backed the team...
. He was in a series of commercials with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
* NOTE: References to "Earnhardt", "he", and "him" refer to the subject of this article, unless otherwise specified. References to his father will include "Sr."...
during the early part of the 2005 NASCAR season that dealt with his title sponsor WinFuel multivitamins.
In his return to the Busch Series, he got into a very heated incident with Dale Jarrett
Dale Jarrett
Dale Arnold Jarrett is a former American race car driver and current sports commentator known for winning the 1999 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship...
during the Sharpie
Sharpie (marker)
Sharpie is a manufacturer of writing instruments whose products are sold in over 20 countries. Originally a name designating a single permanent marker, the Sharpie brand has been widely expanded and can now be found on a variety of previously unrelated permanent and non-permanent pens and markers...
250 at Bristol
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol Motor Speedway, formerly known as Bristol International Raceway and Bristol Raceway is a NASCAR short track venue located in Bristol, Tennessee. Constructed in 1960, it held its first NASCAR race on July 30, 1961...
. When Jarrett leaned into Hmiel's window to question why Hmiel had spun him out, Hmiel flipped the middle finger toward Jarrett that were captured live on national television (especially the finger gesture
Finger (gesture)
In Western culture, the finger , also known as the middle finger, is an obscene hand gesture, often meaning the phrases "fuck off" , "fuck you" or "up yours"...
pointed at Jarrett). Hmiel was fined $10,000 USD
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
and docked 25 points in the standings for the incident.
Hmiel failed a drug test at Dover
Dover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned race track located in Dover, Delaware, owned by, and serving as the corporate headquarters of, Dover Motorsports, Inc. It is co-located with a harness racing track, Dover Downs, and shares the complex with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino...
in 2005, and was escorted from the garage by NASCAR officials. After failing a third drug test in early 2006, Hmiel was banned from NASCAR for life (see below).
During his four-year NASCAR career, Hmiel appeared in seven Nextel Cup races, 83 Busch races, and 29 Truck Series races. He had one win: in the Truck Series' Las Vegas 350 in 2004.
Substance Abuse Test
NASCAR's Substance Abuse Policy allows NASCAR to administer drug tests virtually anytime, anywhere, based only on "reasonable suspicion." There is no driver's union to prevent such tests.Hmiel violated NASCAR's substance abuse policy when he tested positive for heroin in 2003. At the time, he was the highest-profile driver to fail such a test. Hmiel was suspended from September 2003 to January 2004, then reinstated after NASCAR's demands were satisfied. In 2005 he tested positive for marijuana and cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
, and was suspended "indefinitely" starting in May 2005. Hmiel was offered a chance at reinstatement after his second infraction, under condition that he submit to medical and psychological reviews, and frequent drug testing before reinstatement. In February, 2006, Hmiel failed a drug test, and was banned for life. He stated on WindTunnel with Dave Despain
WindTunnel with Dave Despain
WindTunnel with Dave Despain is a live viewer call-in show exclusively for auto racing fans that debuted on Speed Channel on February 22, 2003...
on April 4, 2010, over four years since, that his ban was the best thing that's happened to him.
Hmiel was not paid his 2005 salary for races prior to the suspension, as Braun Racing
Braun Racing
Braun Racing was a NASCAR racing team based in Mooresville, North Carolina. The team was sold to Steve Turner in September 2010. The Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series teams remain active under Turner Motorsports. Following the announcement of the purchase, Turner Motorsports announced that they had...
alleged that Hmiel signed the contract in bad faith due to health concerns. Under oath, Hmiel admitted that he violated NASCAR's substance abuse policy with a positive test for marijuana in 2003 and a positive test for marijuana and cocaine in 2005. Hmiel admitted that he "may have used heroin on a regular basis" prior to failing the first NASCAR test, but denied he was using drugs on a regular basis (at least once a week) in 2005. Hmiel denied that he'd tested positive for heroin at any time from 2003–2005, and testified that he was not under the influence of any drug at any time while he was racing. The disposition of the lawsuit is unknown.
Open-Wheel Racing and Redemption
After rehabilitation from drug addiction and three-years-sober.Hmiel competed in all three national touring divisions of the United States Auto Club in the USAC Silver Crown Series, the USAC National Sprint Car Series, and the USAC National Midget Series.
In 2009, Hmiel earned his first USAC-sanctioned win in the Sprint Car division at Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway
Iowa Speedway is a 7/8-mile paved oval motor racing track in Newton, Iowa, United States, approximately east of Des Moines. The track was designed with influence from Rusty Wallace and patterned after Richmond International Raceway, a short track where Wallace was very successful...
and scored a then-career-best dirt track finish of second in the Four Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway
Eldora Speedway
Eldora Speedway, also known as The Big E and Auto Racing's Showcase since 1954, is located near Rossburg, Ohio. Eldora is a half-mile clay oval with an estimated seating capacity of nearly 20,000...
. Hmiel earned post-season honors as USAC's "Most Improved Driver." He was also named the Rookie of the Year in the 2009 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census, it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 residents in the MSA and 988,454 in the CSA. Tulsa's...
.
In 2010, he earned his first career Midget Series victory in front of family and friends at Hickory Motor Speedway
Hickory Motor Speedway
Hickory Motor Speedway is a short track located in Hickory, North Carolina. It is one of stock car racing's most storied venues, and is often referred to as "The World's Most Famous Short Track" and the "Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars"....
less than an hour from Mooresville, North Carolina
Mooresville, North Carolina
Mooresville is a large suburban town in southern Iredell County, North Carolina, USA. It is in the Metrolina metro area. The population was 32,133 at the 2010 United States Census...
, where he currently resides. The momentum from that victory carried on to other divisions. In the Sprint Car division, he broke the world speed record for a non-winged Sprint Car at Iowa Speedway, winning the pole with an average speed of 146.444 miles per hour. In addition the speed record, he earned three victories, all on pavement, at O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis
O'Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis
Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis is a racing circuit complex in Brownsburg, Indiana...
(twice) and Salem Speedway
Salem Speedway
Salem Speedway is a .555 mile long paved oval motor racetrack in Washington Township, Washington County, near Salem, Indiana, approximately south of Indianapolis. It opened in 1947. Major auto racing series that run at Salem are ARCA, USAR and the USAC...
. In the Silver Crown division, he earned his first career series win and first dirt track win in the Hoosier Hundred race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
He was slated to make his Firestone Indy Lights debut at Chicagoland Speedway
Chicagoland Speedway
Chicagoland Speedway is a tri-oval speedway in Joliet, Illinois, USA, southwest of Chicago. The speedway opened in 2001 and currently hosts NASCAR racing including the opening event in the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Until 2011, the speedway also hosted the IZOD IndyCar Series, recording...
for the Chicagoland 100 on August 28, 2010, but a back injury kept him from competing in the race.
Away from the track, Hmiel is a co-host on the syndicated racing-themed television show "3 Wide Life."