hearing it could be Shane Hmiel, driver of the #15 Truck and part time in the #23 Dodge in Cup. Braun Racing will supposedly switch from Dodge to Chevy and have DEI engines.(10-2-2004)
UPDATE: Sirius Speedway (MRN Radio/Sirius Satellite Radio) reported Tuesday that Shane Hmiel is expected to replace Stremme in the Braun Racing/Trimspa X32 Dodge. Hmiel carried Trimspa sponsorship on his Billy Ballew Motorsports NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry last weekend in Martinsville, and will reportedly steer the #32 Busch Series Dodge for the remainder of the year, with plans for a full season in 2005.(10-27-2004)
UPDATE 2: Braun Racing announced that Shane Hmiel will be the new driver of the TRIMSPA X32 Dodge starting this weekend in the Aarons 312 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Hmiel, who has signed with Braun Racing through 2005, will immediately take over the seat vacated when driver David Stremme signed with the Navy and Fitz Bradshaw Racing. I talked to Armando (Fitz) in Memphis and we decided it was best to start focusing on both of our programs for next year, said Todd Braun, owner of Braun Racing. David Stremme has done an excellent job driving the TRIMSPA Dodge this season, and we wish him all the best with his new team and sponsor. Adding to the excitement at Braun Racing for 2004 is the news that current sponsor TRIMSPA has signed with Braun Racing for three more years. Braun Racing will also switch manufacturers from Dodge to Chevrolet and run Dale Earnhardt Inc. engines in its cars. Todd Lohse will resume crew chief duties for the TRIMSPA X32 Dodge, however a manufacturer swap will not be completed until later in the season. Shane Hmiel will also complete the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season in the #15 TRIMSPA Chevy Silverado where he already has a win and two top fives this season.(Braun Racing PR)(10-28-2004)
