Failed drug test prompts Shane Hmiel's 'lifetime' suspension by NASCAR By JIM UTTER The Charlotte Observer
FONTANA, Calif. – Former NASCAR Busch Series driver Shane Hmiel has been given a lifetime suspension from the sport – the first for violations of NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy.
Hmiel, who was indefinitely suspended from NASCAR on June 3 last season following a second violation of the substance-abuse policy, had been participating in a rehabilitation program directed by NASCAR.
While in that program, Hmiel failed a random drug test last month, prompting the lifetime suspension, NASCAR officials confirmed.
"Shane failed to fulfill the prescribed rehabilitation program outlined by NASCAR. As a result, Shane has forfeited his opportunity to compete in any NASCAR-sanctioned events," said NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston.
Shane’s father, Steve Hmiel – technical director for Dale Earnhardt Inc. – chose not to comment on Friday when asked about Shane’s suspension.
Hmiel, 25, was first suspended in September 2003 after failing a substance-abuse test. He completed a prescribed rehabilitation program and was reinstated for NASCAR competition in February 2004.
Hmiel has competed in seven Nextel Cup, 83 Busch and 29 Craftsman Truck series events in his NASCAR career. His only victory came in Trucks in 2004 at Las Vegas.
Last season, Hmiel began racing in the Carolinas-Virginia USAC Ford Focus Midget Series, competing at South Boston, Va.
One word.... stupid. Good going Shane, after being so remourceful after your suspension, you seemed determined to clean yourself up and get back into the sport. You could have had a dream job any aspiring racer would love to have, but oh well.... maybe you can find a job sweeping up for some race team.
