Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

The 3 Wide Life driver is proving that there is more to him than being “banned for life.” And… the guy can still drive the wheels off.

Charlotte, NC (June 23, 2009) – Anyone that follows racing remembers the name of Shane Hmiel. Not everyone remembers it in a positive light; many think of a young hot shot driver that lacked respect for his elders (see Dale Jarrett.) Others think of a kid who had everything and gave it all away because he couldn’t stay clean. However, there are those out there that remember a racer’s racer, with so much potential that he had his pick to drive for some of NASCAR’s top teams.

“I blew it,” said Hmiel, “but it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I know it sounds crazy, but being banned from NASCAR has made me a better person and no doubt made me a better racer. Spending time in Indy, racing open wheel, on dirt and asphalt, 3 or 4 times a week, right now I understand the passion. I know it’s a privilege. I see it in the guys I race against. Right now I am a better driver than I have ever been – having fun and starting to figure it out. Life is good.”

Starting to figure it out may be a little modest. Hmiel is racing against the best open wheel dirt drivers in the country and quickly adapting to open wheel driving. At the Chili Bowl this year he won his heat race and out of 300 cars missed the feature by one spot…in his first time ever driving a dirt midget. Recently at the historic Hoosier 100, during the Indy 500 weekend, Hmiel finished 3rd in the main event. His peers have started to take notice.

“We have all been impressed,” said Tony Stewart Racing’s Levi Jones. “Shane has picked this up so fast. I think people were a little skeptical at first, but he has proven himself out here. Most of us have been doing this kind of racing all of our lives, and he comes out here and is competitive his first time running. He keeps getting closer to winning each week. When that happens, I know that winning for him will be a regular thing.”

Hmiel is a regular contributor to 3 Wide Life. On the show, he answers email questions from fans, interviews young drivers on the brink of making it big time, takes us inside the biggest events that he competes in, and occasionally has a little fun. His third place finish at the Hoosier 100 will be featured in this week’s show.

“3 Wide Life has given me a chance to show the real racers out there that I am one of them,” explains Hmiel. “There was a time when I never thought I would be able to race again, much less have it on TV. Right now I really am living a dream. Hardly making any money, driving everywhere I go, sleeping on couches and loving every minute of it.”

More to the story…

• Episode 7 synopsis … In addition to highlights from the Hoosier 100, 3 Wide Life talks to Bobby Labonte about a program he is doing in conjunction with Ask.com to help gain awareness for internet safety. Meghan Stanton checks out Charlotte NC’s Speed Street and Tony Rizzuti gets a lesson in camber from champion crew chief Rick Ren. Up and coming star, Cole Whitt, discusses driving for Red Bull, being on the fast track, and becoming the youngest USAC midget champion ever.


Be sure to check out www.3widelife.com to see this seasons episodes!

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I was impressed with Shane's driving during Midget Week in both the Midget and Sprint car. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can start to get it back together. I wish nothing but success for him in his sobriety and racing!

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I guess maybe it's just me but if he's banned from NASCAR then should he even be allowed to race USAC or anywhere else? I know it's different groups but the facts are PLAIN, he was busted for drugs, not once, but twice and evidence is he used while racing. I would hope USAC tests him weekly, I'm all for giving someone a fair chance but he's had far more chances (and 2nd chances) than most in racing and pissed all over them while making ALL of racing look bad. Right now there's 2 spoiled rich kids running USAC while suspended from NASCAR for drugs, what kind of message are we sending the little kids who come watch? He may be "getting the job done" on track but he has failed totally off track. Most of us would either be in jail or would have lost everything and not been given a second chance, this guy is on his THIRD chance. I'm sorry, but he should be serving his punishment on the sidelines, JMHO.....

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Spoiled rich kids? You are right there are some of those in USAC... But you are way out of line posting what you just did... Shane is a good guy and helluva racer, and he has been the first to admit he screwed up, but he is just like you and me and deserve a chance to work hard and get on the right track. He is happy as hell to bust ass all night around a ****** indiana dirt track to make $100. You should maybe know a little more about a person and their situation before spouting off like you did...

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Hey 45.Awhile back i might have agreed with you to a point.Drug abuse is not like leaving the toilet seat up.Its a sickness.After seeing him on the jackslash show,one on one,I cant help but like the guy.He knows he hurt himself and his family and friends ect..He may fall again someday,who knows,but for now hes on the right road and is a gaser.just my 2 cents,Dean Buckley

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

:11:One track in particular? Or is that your opinion of all of them?:11:

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Ha, just a statement... dont read too much into it..

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I don't think any disrespect was inteded toward any of our tracks. Just a simple comparison of where Shane has been to where he is now. Comparing Charlotte, Daytona or any other Nascar facility to Bloomington, Kokomo or Gas City is like comparing Fred Astaire to Steven Hawking.

I appreciate Shane's drive and determination to be successful in spite of his previous errors in judgement.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

All someone has to do is go back and read the newspaper reports on him to know what he did, and yes he's a spoiled rich kid, we all know who his daddy is and his daddy makes a good deal of money. And his daddy's connections set him up for a chance he blew, not once but twice. HE TESTED POSITIVE TWICE DURING RACING SEASON BOTH TIMES AT THE TRACK. If YOU had gotten the same FIRST chance he had YOU would have taken advantage of it and not blown it, he failed, TWICE and as far as you saying he has gotten it together, do you really know? Is he being tested now? Is he still getting help? I think he deserved a chance, he had it, he got a second chance, he failed that also, should he be getting a third chance while drivers who truly deserve a chance never get it? Sorry but I think most people agree with me and just are afraid to get flamed for speaking out... we know his situation, he put himself there by doing HARD drugs, ILLEGAL drugs, don't make him into a hero because he's not, he has hurt ALL of racing by his actions, it's not been that long ago either to just write off what he did because right now at this moment he is "better". If he is struggling then it is ONLY because he killed off a golden chance, and again he had TWO chances at it.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I think that is the problem wrong with the world is everyone believes what the newspapers say and don't know what is going on in that person's life at that time or even now for that matter. I'm a person who believes the past is the past and you shouldn't worry about what other ppls problems are. I'm sure that Shane is not the only person in the world today that has had this problem and won't be the last. If he is getting tested or not it shouldn't be any of our business. It's his life and from talking with him personally. He's a great guy and racer. I'm sure he is tired of having to keep defending himself to ppl like us.
Its also hard to believe that one person could hurt ALL of racing. So what if Daddy helped him. There are alot of dad's out there that would do the same thing. Obviously his daddy didn't drive the cars though so he most have had the talent to make it. Life is about mistakes and learning from them. There are people out there that take more then twice to learn there lessons. Just give the guy a chance because more anything I think he needs the support of our racing community not the down talks of the past. Keep gassin on it Shane!!!!!

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Simple facts from Wikipedia...


Hmiel violated NASCAR's substance abuse policy when he tested positive for marijuana 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.



Facts are 3, count them 3 failed drug tests, all during racing season, 2 of them for cocaine. Yes MAYBE he is clean now but let me ask you this, if you had a doctor who failed 1, let alone 3 drug tests like this would you allow him to continue? What about a pilot, or fireman or police? I truly HOPE he is clean and changed, I for one tho think he hasn't served enough of a punishment and that he shouldn't be allowed to compete unless he is being tested weekly. I know to younger guys like Casey drugs maybe aren't the same since we see way too many ball players being busted for drugs and steroids but racing has always tried to maintain a higher stand. If you're offended by my stance then I am sorry but it is my honest feelings. I have loved racing since I saw my first race at 6, I will be 46 this next week, and I hate to see any harm come to any form of racing. I truly hope he has cleaned up his act 100%, I just question why him and one other are being allowed to race at the top USAC levels without some type of testing and oversight and without being judged on past as well as present actions. Sorry but his past DOES have alot to do with it and should.....

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Isn't someone knowingly testing one person weekly be a type of discrimination?

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Joe Cowin, Of course it's "just your honest opinion", and all, but your mindset regarding this is about as myopic and overstuffed with empty rhetoric and sloganeering as can be. What's next? "We fight them off the track, so we don't have to fight them ON the track"?
He's "made all of racing look bad" ? Please! Shane Hmiel's fan-interaction, personality and passion for racing actually do a great deal to make racing look good.
He's "had far more chances in racing and pissed all over them"? Really? Far more chances? He has been doing exceptionally well with the chance he has right now. Have you noticed him pissing on something that none of the rest of us has?
"There's 2 spoiled rich kids running USAC"? So that's what is afoot here? The Spoiled-Rich-Kid Theory? Banned Substance use is the province of those damned "spoiled rich kids"? We'll make a note of that. Weed them out before they get into the ranks of the 100% pure racers.
He has "failed totally off the track"? Totally, huh? Utterly, completely, irrevocably a failure. And here I thought he seemed like a swell guy, and all this time what I was witnessing was a grinding un-redeemable failure. Goes to show, I guess...
He "should be serving his punishment on the sidelines"? He is serving on the sidelines. The sidelines of nascar. Which are overstuffed with others hoping to get back into the game, while keeping active however they can. He is staying active better than most.
And, finally, the perfect old dusty relic of resistance: "What kind of message are we sending the little kids who come watch?" Frankly, I have my own idea of the "message" you are sending to whatever little kids you have in your social circle. It is a message of intolerance, anger, mistrust, prejudice and loathing. Bitterness--in a word. Particularly as almost no "little kids" at a race (that haven't been specifically prepped by the adults with influence over them) knows jack about Hmiel's off-track past, anymore than they know which drivers they watch are from what state, what beer they prefer to drink, or whether they've cheated on a wife or girlfriend or like to kick dogs.
You are entitled to your opinion. I am entitled to read it. I am entitled to dissect it. I am entitled to give it No Credibility.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

If somebody does pass a piss test, then they are doing better. If it gets some hardcore NASCAR fan to come see a former driver race at your local track and learn how cool and exciting sprint car racing is, how is that bad. If some young teenager who is struggling with drug addiction, hears his story, realizes they can clean up their own life and changes for the better, how is that hurting racing. If the numbers are there that state many people do not succeed at remaining clean, lets just tell someone who is clean to give up, go away and do something else.

Just because his dad is who he is, does that mean he shouldn't race?
Just because you weren't born with something, that can ruin your life, (kill you dead), recover and deal with it, and become a much better person you do not need to be jealous of that. Should anyone who racers be allowed to be related to anyone else? Sounds ridiculous doesn't it.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I am a Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers) fan because of what he went through (heroin addiction) and his struggle back and that he has beaten it for the time being. The ESPN special was one for the books, it chronicled his life. I sure hope Shane has this beat.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Well I'll try to reply....


Fight them off the track and not on the track, ummm, ok, you seem to think failing 3 drug tests is ok so let him race without being tested still?

He's a swell guy and good with kids? Really, does he work with anti-drug programs? Does he speak out about his mistakes to those kids and others? Is he helping change bad kids to good? Does he take part in DARE programs?

Pissed all over his chances, yes he has, he had 3 of them in NASCAR and what did he do with all 3? Kind of hard to ignore the truth on that score.

Spoiled rich kids, yeah there's too many of them, most tho are pretty good kids and it's a shame a couple bad apples make the rest look bad, but fact is, they do. Getting busted 3 times by NASCAR make you look bad, getting busted at an amusement park while trying to run over a security gaurd in front of families makes you look bad, and yes, makes all of racing look bad.

And yes he should be sitting on the sidelines, sorry, but it's not like he didn't have plenty of chances to start with, again 3 of them and he is suspended still from one of the biggest motorsports orgs in the world.

And yes it does look bad to kids, sorry but it does, just like it looks bad when a football player shoots people in a parking lot of a strip club or a basketball player starts a fight in a stadium. Sorry that you seem to think it's ok for a 3 time positive tested person to not be called on it, and pointed out, hopefully so the kids DO NOT follow his examples.


So now your opionon as been dissected and found lacking. I prefer to root and respect guys like Dave Darland, Casey Shuman, Jon Stanbough and others who truly deserve it and have EARNED it. I'm all for giving someone who deserves it a second chance, but a 4th chance? Scott free?

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Funny, I really only like racing, but I remember either being away at work or for a race and watching that in a hotel, great story. For someone to have it all, lose it and rebuild is something amazing. If some of us are jealous or hate rich kids, you will be much better off once you get over it.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Not, I believe, someone with a history of failed tests.

I also do not believe Hmiel has done anything to deserve another chance. He has, however, been offered another chance, and I hope he makes the most of it, both on and off the track.

Tim Simmons

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

what you are failing to see is that in school nobody ever teaches us "what to do when you may screw up". To simply pretend you and the world you live in is perfect, does nobody any good. I see more positives then negatives, being on 3 wide life is off track, isn't that good?

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I'll have to mark this on my calendar! I am agreeing with Aussiemidgetfan - 100%.

If more people were concerned with themselves as opposed to what someone else is doing, the World would be a better place.

Unless you detractors spend 24 hours a day with Shane, then what you are forming your opinion on is open to rebuttal. That "info" little more than heresay.

Go Shane.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Joe, unless you have walked in his shoes, and know EXACTLY what he went through, how can you say he got off scott free? Shane went from living the life, in a beautiful house, having a big boat, a big fancy motorhome, driving race cars for a VERY good living, and pretty much anything he wanted in life, to driving sprint cars and midgets for a living and sleeping on a couch, and you know what, he is happy, and excited, and appreciates where he is.. The guy just wants to race, and get his life back together, so yeah, I think he has paid, ALOT.. All the above mentioned, and having to deal with people like yourself on probably a daily basis?.. but you know what, at the end of the day, if you say this to his face, he would probably smile and shake your hand and say thanks for coming to the races.. seeya next time. You have made your opinion know, on a thread that is promoting his relationship with 3widelife, which is a positive thing and you get on here and shoot it down. You say you respect and like to cheer for drivers that earn it, and I appreciate you putting me in that catagory, but thats all shane is trying to do right now, let him prove your theory right on his own, not with you taking jabs at him...

thanks

shu

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

[/COLOR]Well shu I knew i would get flamed and said so, and I have, but be honest, does he deserve another chance? If you, or others had the same chance to start with would you have done like him? But so far no one has told me what he did to deserve this chance. Like I said, and will say, hope he truly changes and it works out.......now I'll stop talking on the subject, I know some agree with me, others different, let's just hope in the end it all works our for everyone, including Shane.......

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

You cant sit here and beat a guy down, and say he doesnt deserve to be where he is, and then say you TRULY hope hes changed.. You are just trying to paint a picture of a logical thinking individual, and when you decided to get on here and post such negative, contradicting, BS about someone you dont know, on a thread about something positive he is doing off the track, logical thinking went out the window.. Oh and yea, my comment about the tracks in Indiana was indeed in reference to going from Daytona, to places like Paragon or N. Vernon.. Sorry if I offended your favorite local bullring.. lol

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

UMMM, I posted the truth, facts... But if you want to respond like this let me ask you, if the tracks are so ****** then why are you here? Does it make you feel better to insult me for pointing out facts? Does it make you feel better to insult me a fan and the tracks I love, the sport I love? Seriously Shu if you feel we're so ****** then answer me, why are you here?
Maybe our track aren't fancy, or the fans high class, but we LOVE our tracks and our sport, and again, didn't BEAT him down, asked a simple question, what has he done to earn and desrve another chance? Why can't you answer that or anyone else instead of flaming me and insulting me and what I love... ****** tracks huh, thanks alot, now I have a whole new look on you....

Now I am TRULY done, won't even look at this thread again, good luck Shu on our ****** tracks......

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Its not up to either of us to decide what chances he gets, Im glad to see he is getting one, and Im glad to see how thankful he is to be banging around Indiana FINEST local dirt tracks, making little money, sleeping on couches, and eating taco bell all the time. Such a glorious life we lead.. Im now done, you have yet to come up with anything worth reading in the last couple posts, and hopefully this doesnt keep you from cheering me on this weekend, but if it does, oh well, there are plenty of fans that arent Casey Shuman fans, as long as they keep coming to the track to support racing, I dont care....

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

No. More than likely that's something he agreed to, as a condition of him getting "another chance." And that's a pretty substantial offer of proof as to his intent to turn his life around, as privacy and the right against self-incrimination are some of the most important rights we have.

One thing that can not be understated is the list of people that Shane has chosen to work with, during his "probationary" period. He hasn't shown up at the track with a group of shady characters that nobody really knows. Instead, he's been alongside some well established, no nonsense professionals that everybody knows are going to watch him with a skeptical eye and not put up with any crap, if it should arise. Since the beginning of this guy's comeback, this is the thing has lead me to believe that he's sincere about this. And I hope he's successful.

Jerry

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Now you are getting rediculous, you admitted yourself that you knew I was making reference to the difference between the big nascar tracks, and the ones we race on every weekend. Im not bad mouthing Indiana tracks, or Indiana fans so settle down. I am here to try and make a living racing! This is the racing capital of the world, and Im here STILL trying to earn my way! Which is exactly what Shane is doing now.. What has he done to deserve it? He swallowed his pride, he walked into these Indiana tracks KNOWING people, like yourself would be talking about him, "hey theres that druggy shane hmiel," He left the lifestyle of a big nascar star and Im sorry if this offends you, but has come back to the minor leagues, to try and get his **** together, and he is. He has gotten involved with the 3WL program, and probably many more that none of us know. It takes ALOT of balls to do what hes doing, many would probably go into hiding and live off daddys money, but hes not, hes got alot of courage to come in here and say, hey, i blew it, i screwed up, and what can I do to get on track and drive a race car again, any car, anywhere.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

The use of "our" and "we" implies all of Indiana and there tracks. Is this turning into a California and North Carolina versus Indiana. Maybe that's whats wrong in Indiana open wheel. The us against the world elitists.

As for his 4th chance, and being deserving. Maybe having lived with an undiagnosed problem as a child, teenager, and very public race car driver, then getting help, and starting off from the bottom is very commendable.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I'm all for Shane Hmiel! I too have made many mistakes in my life, especially at eighteen, twenty years old. Like Shane, that is all behind me and I also feel those mistakes have made me a better father, husband, and racer. You know we all mature different and everyone has their own demons. I thought at twenty two years old that I was a man and a bad ass man at that! But until it was all taken away from me and I hit rock bottom, I didn't know what life was really about. I respect those opinions that don't think Shane should be out there, but your not the one who decides Shane's life, he does. He's doin a helluva a job with it too! He could of just quit and said the hell with it. He didn't though, Shane's out there taking this criticism and he don't care what you or anybody else thinks. He's doing this for himself and his family. I know both of our family's were our number one fans and they're the best ones to have. They'll never quit believing in ya and they're there for ya no matter what life throws at ya. I have more respect for Shane than he even knows. I've went through some of rough times myself, but thank God I wasn't at his level and it wasn't public for everyone to form their opinion of me. I'm all for ya bro, your one of my hero's dude! And for a snot nosed kid I sure like your half ton pickup with a over 100k miles on it. When your multibillion dollar dad wants to buy you a new whip, look me up! lol gimme a break people!

Chris Gurley

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Matthew 18: 21-22
Then Peter came to Him and said, " Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
Jesus said to him, " I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

My point being that we live in a sinful world why do you think Jesus died on the cross! I commend him for coming into a realm like sprint car racing with a past like his! We all need to remember that if Jesus forgives us for our wrong doings we should be encouraging and forgiving as well !
I hope he makes it and uses it to glorify the Lord!

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

From THIS fan's perspective, Paragon or N.Vernon would be a step UP from Daytona!:2:
Seriously, I've been to Charlotte, Daytona, Darlington etc. but it's been years since I've sent any money to the France family. However I can't wait until the next time I get to watch guys like Shu, Shane and about 20 of their closest friends get their elbows up.:22:

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Where would Nascar be without Junior Nation?? Think if he failed a test it would be public? Not likely..

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Mr. Cowin...

So, basically, you're saying that he should be penalized for being in the spotlight once before? What if a kid runs into an issue with drugs, alcohol, or whatever, at age seventeen. What if he has some issues again at age twenty, we'll say. He turns his life around and realizes that he wants to race. He finds a great deal on a used sprint car and is ready to go racing. He comes into the local racing scene and does well, maybe even wins a few. You become a fan, like the kid and even buy his t-shirt. However, later on you find out about his troubles. Do you burn his shirt, quit being a fan, etc.? If so, what did this kid do to you, as a fan? He's a great racer, great to talk to and works his tail off.

I'll hang up and listen to your response! :10:

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I posted the message below after Shane won his first race "back" and consequently his first race in a midget. What I highlighted in bold below stands truer today then when I wrote it a year or so ago. A question was asked if Shane is doing anything like talking to kids about the evils of drugs ect. and while I am not sure if he is in any official capacity I know for a fact he has to every young driver he has come in contact with be it at a race track or just out on the town. Shane and his dad are a Racers racer and believe me when I say there are few who bust there ass as shane has done to get back where he is today. I didn't know Shane in his NASCAR days but I find it hard to believe that he could of been any happier then he is right now racing in Indiana on some of the shi... er I mean finest race tracks in the country.


It is me with the DMS team. Marc and I have been working on a few projects together over the last few months. Shane contacted me through a mutual friend about helping him as he made his return to racing, honestly I was apprehensive at first but after talking with Shane and his dad as well as others who are close to his situation I was satisfied That he has spent his time away from racing getting the help he needed. There was a lot of thought put into getting Shane back on track and anyone who is interested in the details feel free to contact me.

Heading to Shasta I really wasn't sure what to expect, Seeing how Shane was a former Truck winner, Busch series competitor, and had made several cup starts I was curious how he was going to adapt to our environment. There was no bright lights or adoring fans just Shane a midget a few hundred hardy souls braving the cold. While Shane put on a incredible drive to win, the story of the night was the way he interacted with the officials, the fans, the team it was clear to me he was like every other racer I have met over the years just happy to be in their element at the race track.

I hesitated posting on here at all as I am sure there will be those who will take their shots but before you do I suggest you walk up and have a conversation with Shane, ask him about what he had, what he lost, and just how happy he was driving a midget at a BCRA race in front of a few hundred fans who braved the cold. You might be surprised to find a kid who has worked hard to overcome his mistakes, a kid who is gracious for any opportunity he gets, and a kid who is one hell of a race car driver.

Tim Clauson

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

What most annoys me in the veil of rhetoric espoused by Mr Cowin is the defiant declaration that "I only write the Truth, Facts." That's is the most singularly false statement throughout any of this. From the acorn of truth that Shane failed some nascar-mandated substance tests, he grows a tree of opinions, innuendo, falsehoods, and accusations about a person he knows only a Wikipedia-summary about.
This type of mindset, and defense of the same, is what invalidates his argument, despite being entitled to his opinion.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

"Sugar" Shane Hmiel on a past episode of the Jackslash Show.

http://www.ustream.tv/flash/video/1597858

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

I don't know Shane.

I will say that when he first made his return to the short tracks, I was skeptical at best. It really is a scary thought to have a guy who had documented heavy drug issues banging open wheels with 19 other guys every night, in a much looser and less-regulated environment than was NASCAR. Being no straight-edger, I like to get screwed up most any chance I get, but any of that type of behavior around the cockpit is way beyond irresponsible. And, despite the way the world is trending these days, the liberal BS of giving people chance after chance after chance with only a slap on the wrist doesn't sit well with me. Plus, I hate all things NASCAR and "daddy's money." So yes, you could say I wasn't a huge fan of the idea at the time.

However, the only way the world makes any sense is to take most everything that's put in front of you on a case-by-case basis. And in Shane's case, you seem to have a guy who's truly remorseful about his choices, takes accountability for them, realizes he's got some rebuilding and work to do and his damn happy to be doing it. If you have any kind of compassion and ability to think logically at all, that's got to appeal to you.

I understand some of the opposite sentiment, but give the guy a break. If anybody's earned a fourth (or whatever the number is) chance, it's him.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

being called a druggy.probly earned that,scientific fact-once an addict,always an addict-could be he'll be an addict who never uses again.....sleeping on a couch,racing sprint cars and midgets-ain't that every young mans dream.maybe a simple life with focus it what he needs right now...racing might save him..verify he's clean regularly [to protect himself and those he races with ]..and let him move on to the next level in his journey..

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Anybody who has a bad perception of Shane should watch this interview. I am sure it will change your mind.

By the way Buckley that was an awesome interview.

Re: Shane Hmiel is Getting Back to Business
 

Joe,
Fortunately it has not been up to you to decide who gets a second, third or fourth chance. There may not be anyone left to race if that was the case. What pisses me off is not the fact that you get on here and make an ass of yourself...but that you have hijacked a positive thread and turned it into a negative discussion about someone that you don't even know. Get laid or something, will ya?:11;

Al Wissmiller