Shane Hmiel, banned for life from NASCAR in 2006 after failing three drug tests, was critically injured Saturday night during qualifying for the U.S. Auto Racing Club’s Silver Crown race at Terre Haute Action Track. USAC said the 30-year-old Hmiel, from Pleasant Garden, N.C., was airlifted to Indianapolis’ Methodist Hospital, where he was in critical condition with head injuries. The Tribune-Star of Terre Haute reported that Hmiel’s #17 Silver Crown car slammed into the outside wall between the third and fourth turns and rolled over several times, damaging the protective roll cage. “We are very concerned about Shane and offer our resources and our support to his family during this time of healing,” USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller said. Hmiel’s father, Steve, is director of competition for NASCAR’s Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. The Sumar Classic went on as scheduled, with Levi Jones winning the race.(ESPN/AP)(10-10-2010)
UPDATE: USAC issued a new release on Shane Hmiel’s condition on Sunday. It stated that he remains in critical but stable condition at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. It states that Hmiel suffered fractures of the neck and back and is in the hospital’s intensive care unit awaiting surgery expected sometime in the next 24 hours. According to the release: Steve Hmiel says his son has a “long road to recovery” and is quick to thank all the fans and friends who offered their concerns and prayers in the hours following the accident. Also in the release: USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller said: “We are optimistic for Shane’s recovery. We will monitor Shane’s hospitalization adn will provide updates on his progress.”(Virginian Pilot)(10-10-2010)
Latest Update: from Hmiel’s Road to Recovery Facebook page: had a little bumpy road nothing to be too alarmed about first surgery got postponed due to irregular heartbeat nothing uncommon then we had some build up of yuck in lungs they they removed breathing much smoother and easier has slight fever not uncommon resting.(10-16-2010)
