Shane Hmiel has now been reinstated from his suspension from NASCAR. He is now clear to compete in any of the NASCAR sanctioned series effective immediately. Hmiel could be seen competing as early as next weekend during Speed Weeks at Daytona in NASCAR. Hmiel is already in Daytona driving for Team CLR in this weekends ARCA Series race.OTWRacing/TeamCLR
AND Driver Shane Hmiel is eligible to reapply for his license to compete in NASCAR-sanctioned events after meeting the conditions set forth for his reinstatement from a suspension levied under the sport’s substance abuse policy last year. Steve Hmiel, the driver’s father, showed The Charlotte Observer a letter Friday afternoon informing Shane Hmiel he could regain his credential to drive in NASCAR races upon the completion of routine paperwork all drivers must submit to get a license each season. That includes submission of a form showing he’s had a physical examination and the payment of a fee to obtain the license. Steve Hmiel, who is technical director for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said Shane has a deal lined up to drive in next Friday night’s Truck Series race for a team owned by Billy Ballew. The team also plans to run at Atlanta and may add more races now that Hmiel’s status has been cleared up. “This has been tough on him,” Steve Hmiel said of his son, who was 23 at the time he drew the suspension. “It broke his heart, but he has been working his guts out to get back. I think he will come out of this with more respect for what a privilege it is to be able to drive in NASCAR.”(ThatsRacin.com)(2-6-2004)
