Gas City, Indianapolis (June 10, 2009)- Shane Hmiel finished in 11th place in the No. 56 ‘3 Wide Life’ midget to kick off the first night of USAC Midget Week at Gas City Speedway. After qualifying 18th, Hmiel won his heat race in style and started 18th in the night’s feature event. He quickly made his way through the pack of 24 before diving into turn one and driving right off of the ¼ mile dirt track. Restarting in the back of the field, Hmiel made light work of his competition and worked his way back up to 10th. Trying to pass Bryan Clauson for 9th led to more trouble for Hmiel as he spun a tire and lost a few spots falling back to 14th. With little time left in the 30 lap race, Hmiel was able to pass a few cars to finish in the 11th position. 36 cars attempted to make the show and Jerry Coons Jr was the night’s first place finisher.

“The 56,” said Hmiel “was wheeling last night. I didn’t finish where I wanted to, but I kept it interesting. I tried to be Superman getting into turn one and it cost me. I could have made it to the front, but instead I was in the back having to pass through everybody again. You learn from those mistakes, and I certainly got better last night. This dirt stuff is not so bad after all.”

Midget week runs June 10th – 14th, covering five different tracks throughout Indiana. The best open-wheel dirt drivers in the country are competing each night for points and cash. This is Hmiel’s first season driving on dirt and participating in national USAC events. The 3 Wide Life midget was originally owned by the late Alex Pruett, son of 3 Wide Life’s creator Steve Pruett and is being run in his honor.

Photo attached by Dave Merritt (Davespitpassphotos.com)

Shane , I guess if we are going to be a TV show about Grassroots Racers we have to go out and mix it up with the best and those Indiana guys are the best.

I think Alex would have loved it , car looks great and remember you can't win it on the first lap.

It is fun to see you there and the 56 even if it is still hard for us in other ways.

Thanks to all of you who have noticed and all of Alex's friends who have contacted us. Funny thing happened this week we checked Alex's voice mail and several of his friends still call and say how much they miss him I think this is awesome, we will always keep it on.

Steve