Shane Hmiel
 

Not only is Hmiel running the Midget and Silver Crown events at Phoenix on Thursday, he will also be contesting the Western World at Manzanita on Friday and Saturday. Here is a link to a story I just read on Shane and his dad Steve. Really interesting read! Good luck to him...

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/11/my-s...use-survivor-0

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

A very good read. Shane, despite everything that's happened, is an unbelievably good driver. Hope he does well on the Phoenix/Manzy swing...

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Nice article. Hope it all works out.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Good find, and good post.......

Thanks, Spridge, and good luck to Shane...

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Thanks Spridge,great aticle.Wish Shane good luck.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

good article, and good deal shane is one heck of a race car driver, i took a liking to him when he was with braun racing in the 32

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

When he raced nascar he wrecked a few cars in the first 20 laps of races, im just glad to know that he wasn't on drugs when he did it.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Different driver but similar subject but what ever happened to the Fike boy who was making a comeback this year after being kicked out of NASCAR? Hadn't read or seen anything

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

I'm going to have to admit that I never was a Shane Hmiel fan while he was in the NASCAR ranks. He was a good race car driver, but it was his attitude that didn't sit too well with me, at all. He seemed to be a "punk", for lack of a better term. With that being said, I really enjoyed reading this article and it might even shed some light on his actions. No, it's not an excuse, but it might explain some things.

Shane showed that he had talent then, but I think his will to win now is even more impressive. He's in cars that he's never driven before. He's been through some serious times in his life. His attitude and perspective seem to have changed, for the better, for sure. He seems on the right track and realizes that all he wants to do is race and have fun doing it. That's what it's all about for us, as fans.

On top of that, he's already won, including his first time in a midget. The kid is good and I hope that we get to see this kid with a full-time USAC ride (or two) next year.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

In an April 2008 interview for ESPN, Fike admitted to years of painkiller abuse, as well as heroin use on race days.

While there is precedent for drivers who struggle with substance abuse, there is no previous precedent for drivers who are arrested while using, or in possession of, an illegal substance. Fike has talked with NASCAR regarding the reinstatement process.

He returned to racing midget cars at Angell Park Speedway and the USAC national tour after his NASCAR suspension. (as per wikipiedia)

I don't think its wise for a driver to claim he "used" during races if he wants to continuo racing in nascar. Shane Hmiel had the sense to claim he never used during a race and I look for him to get back in one day because hes fixed of getting his fix.:wink Here is my question, who the hell is Shane Hmiel the race car driver without Steve Hmiel the amazingly brilliant minded, hard working dad who darn near everyone in nascar respects greatly? No doubts he was fast, but he was very careless and ignorant too. I think there are many other deserving butts for those seats, but they are are in seats of bread trucks as a wise man once said.(someone Hmiel claimed as his greatest influence)

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

That article was amazing! I was a huge Shane fan in NASCAR and it broke my heart when I found out he was throwing his life away. I am so glad he is finally on the right track! I talked to his dad at Talladega a few weeks ago, Shane is going to be running the Chili Bowl for sure, and he is probably going to run ARCA full time next year.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

I hate to see open wheel racing become the refuge for druggies kicked out of NASCAR. Shane Hmeil's claim to fame will always be that he is suspended for life from the world's largest motorsports sanctioning body because of drug use. The youngsters in those stands need to know that drug use is detrimental and having this guy out there racing says you can get away with it. I think it sets a bad example for those who might be tempted.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

I have to wonder how many Shane Hmiel fans their would be on here if he hadn't been driving one of Bryan Clauson's cars for a good part of the year? I'm pretty sure this love fest wouldn't be happening if he didn't have some pretty respected people working with him.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

i was a shane hmiel fan to begin with, and that fact that he's workin with BC is just icing on the cake, as for aj he has been reinstated that i know of and he is working on some truck stuff for next year

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

I respect your opinion, BUT! The way I see it could also set a example for those who truely seek a second chance.
When I look at the stick and ball sports and see repeat offenders criminals etc it does upset me. Let time and what the results are judge Shane Hmeil.
Sounds to me he just needs to grow up.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Shane has bi-polar disorder, a serious problem. It is a chemical imbalance that is sometimes difficult to diagnose and treat. I know this, because I've had three family members diagnosed with it. One family member did drugs, one did alcohol, and one did both. It is an attempt to medicate yourself to try to reduce the symptoms of this terrible affliction. It has ripped my family apart at times trying to cope with it.

You can't dismiss this as him just being a drugged-up little punk. He's no more guilty than a cancer patient taking morphine to try to get some relief from the pain. It's just a different kind of pain. A disease is a disease and they come in all shapes and forms. I say cut him some slack.

Best of luck to Shane and I for one will be rooting:thumb for him from the stands at the track and for his well being off the track.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

One way to regain credibility that you may have lost, is before you try to make your case to the general public, go try to sell it to someone/s with an established track record of being credible and higher than average standards. IMO, that's what this kid has done, in this case. It's not the easiest path to take, but if you're serious about changing for the better, it's definitely the best. I wish him success and the strength to stay on the right track.

Jerry

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

It's quite apparent that some folks don't believe in second chances and redemption; either that, ot they just didn't read the article.....

Shane's bi-polar, which was misdiagnosed; and he used drugs to try and cope with his problem. OK, he did screw up, he used drugs, but he's gotten his act together. The fact that he's associated with Tim and Bryan just tells me how much they believe in Shane and second chances. While you can choose to dislike Shane for what he did to himself, until you've walked a mile in his shoes, you cannot judge him for trying to be better.....

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Too many people believe only in second chances for themselves. It's why our prisons are so full.
Jim Morrison

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

I was going to stay out of this, but I would like to say a couple things. I was a little concerned when I was asked about Shane being a teammate on the RW Silver Crown car. As a driver, I think we are even more critical on people throwing away a career we would love to have. I didnt know Shane at all. But I try not to judge people until I know them myself. And Shane is a great guy and we have quickly become friends. He was hired because of his talent and has helped our pavement program. Nobody helped him get the ride. He has talked pretty openly about his past. And the funny thing is, I had no idea about him having a disease until reading the article. He never once blamed the drugs on that. In the conversations we have had, I feel he has taken all the responsibility upon himself. I think that takes a hell of a person to do that when you could, and can, put the blame on an actual disease. There is not a more down to earth person in the pits than him or anyone that will work harder.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

A fitting end to this thread.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Amen, lost a brother who suffered from untreated Bi-Polar disorder, this disease denies people the ability to control themselves. Good luck to Shane.

Re: Shane Hmiel
 

Not to change the focus of this conversation, but the pavement guy impressed the hell out of me both nights @ Western World. He drove well and held his own against the best out there.

Jerry