Shane Hmiel Back In Racing

kat2220

kat2220

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Shane Hmiel To Run USAC
Former NASCAR Busch Series driver Shane Hmiel, who was indefinitely suspended from NASCAR competition earlier this season for a violation of its substance abuse policy, is scheduled to return to racing this weekend. Hmiel, 25, plans to drive an entry in Saturday night's Carolinas-Virginia USAC Ford Focus Midget Series at South Boston, Va. It will mark his first race of any type since his suspension in June. "What he had to do was pass the same urine analysis that NASCAR uses and he got that done this week. USAC headquarters got that this week," said Steve Hmiel, Shane's father and interim crew chief for Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. "This is first time we've gotten him off the couch, he's been so depressed about everything," Hmiel said. "USAC had an interest in him to drive their new Silver Crown car that is going to run at tracks like Kentucky and Chicago." Steve Hmiel said Shane would run a few Focus Midget races, then run full Midgets this winter and run the full season in Silver Crown next year.(That's Racin')
 
redrock said:
I guess USAC does not acknowledge NASCAR sanctions?
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Why would they? The NFL doesn't acknowledge MLB sanctions.

It doesn't matter. The kids a junkie, damaged goods. Hopefully Nascar doesn't cave and allow him back into the sport.
 
kat2220 said:
Shane Hmiel To Run USAC
"What he had to do was pass the same urine analysis that NASCAR "This is first time we've gotten him off the couch, he's been so depressed about everything," Hmiel said
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There is no sympathy from this poster for Shane Hmiel and his depression. Shane and only Shane is responsible for the position he is in today and it is time for him to suck it up and get on with his life, without NASCAR.

NASCAR now has an opportunity, through banning the son of an influential and respected member of thier own community, to make clear thier position on drug use.
If and when decision time comes, NASCAR cannot consider their relationship with Steve Hmiel.
It must be proven to fans of the sport that NASCAR does support the values they espouse and establish they have an anti-drug policy. Otherwise, anything other than a lifetime ban for Shane Hmiel from NASCAR makes their policies and efforts to advertise they instill family values, meaningless.
 
Whizzer said:
There is no sympathy from this poster for Shane Hmiel and his depression. Shane and only Shane is responsible for the position he is in today and it is time for him to suck it up and get on with his life, without NASCAR.

NASCAR now has an opportunity, through banning the son of an influential and respected member of thier own community, to make clear thier position on drug use.
If and when decision time comes, NASCAR cannot consider their relationship with Steve Hmiel.
It must be proven to fans of the sport that NASCAR does support the values they espouse and establish they have an anti-drug policy. Otherwise, anything other than a lifetime ban for Shane Hmiel from NASCAR makes their policies and efforts to advertise they instill family values, meaningless.
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I agree. The message has to be strong and clear to everyone involved with Nascar.
 
Lap3Forever said:
yes i am agents drug use. but i am glad to see him racing again. plus we dont know what he got baned for.
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For those of you who don't speak lappy, that should be against.


And, lappy, it's never been disclosed as to the actual drug. All Nascar will say it is a banned substance.
 
I know that it was banned, so im not at all saying that he should be in nascar because he did have a 2nd change. So nascar did do the right thing and kick him out.
 
Whizzer said:
There is no sympathy from this poster for Shane Hmiel and his depression. Shane and only Shane is responsible for the position he is in today and it is time for him to suck it up and get on with his life, without NASCAR.

NASCAR now has an opportunity, through banning the son of an influential and respected member of thier own community, to make clear thier position on drug use.
If and when decision time comes, NASCAR cannot consider their relationship with Steve Hmiel.
It must be proven to fans of the sport that NASCAR does support the values they espouse and establish they have an anti-drug policy. Otherwise, anything other than a lifetime ban for Shane Hmiel from NASCAR makes their policies and efforts to advertise they instill family values, meaningless.
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I have to say I agree completly! :beerbang:
 
I posted here yesterday in response to this but now it is gone??? What's up with that???
 
Maybe you just thought you posted? If you did, I didn't see it and know nothing about it's disappearance.
 
my question to you guys is, i know that shane has done drugs, but what if he were to clean up 5-10 years down the road and be 100 percent sober....would you guys still want him to stay out of racing?
 
That's a good point. After a while like that if he's been tested all along I think he should be able to reapply. Is there a process for this?
 
I would think if a few years went by and he actually did stay clean he could work his way back in, and I think it would be closer to the 5 years.
The problem at this point is he's had a couple chances and proved he can't be trusted or depended upon. Now he has to prove it over long term.
 
I thought his ban was indefinite, not lifetime? USAC is taking a gamble on him that NASCAR has already taken (and lost). I hope he's cleaned up his act. Only time will tell. If he stays clean while being tested regularly for say 3-5 years I see no reason for him not to get another try in NASCAR.
 
I don't really care one way or another, but if a guy takes drugs he's a criminal. If he drinks beer he's a hero. Any difference in getting killed by a junky or a drunk?
 
It makes a difference if a driver has an opportunity, loses it, then loses it again, for whatever infraction is committed.
IMO, this goes deeper than Hmiel's use of illegal drugs. It all comes back to taking responsibility for your actions. As far as I am concerned, whether Shane Hmiel stays clean for a lifetime or not, he blew it by failing to be responsible.

It appears Shane is wallowing in self-pity under the guise of depression. He has proven that by staying on the sofa feeling sorry for himself and hoping, once again, Daddy will come to the rescue. Does he regret what happened to him ???? You betcha !!!!
Is he sorry for the numerous people he hurt ??? Doubtful as he is most likely so spoiled, he thinks the world is his oyster and with a talent for driving a race car, should get another, and another, chance.
Daddy Steve will be there to help him just as he has done by going to the media with the story of Shane, sitting on the sofa and being depressed. It is called "sympathy".
In place of "sympathy", this is a case for tough love. Shane is an adult now and should fend for himself, get his own ride and show he has intestinal fortitude rather than come crying to Daddy to make things right, once again.

#15 08-23-2005, 02:38 PM QUOTE FROM ;This Buds For Me
"my question to you guys is, i know that shane has done drugs, but what if he were to clean up 5-10 years down the road and be 100 percent sober....would you guys still want him to stay out of racing?"]QUOTE

Stay ot of racing, no. Stay out of NASCAR, yes !!!!! For all the reasons given in two posts and a lot more never touched upon. The young man is irresponsible and rude. He has no concept of the meaning of the word respect. He is obviously a spoiled brat with little to no discipline in his life. Will he change in five to ten years ??? Possibly, but doubtful. IMO, he will, quite likely, use some artificial stimulation to face the realities of life or enhance his personal pleasures.
This is one case where NASCAR can do the right thing and ban him for life. The lifetime ban of a talented driver having a high profile personality such as his father, would send a very hard message to anyone who has the talent to drive or work in the premier series of NASCAR.
The big question to anyone who aspires to working within the NASCAR community and thinking of or already using drugs should be, "is it worth the risk" ?????
You decide, it is your responsibility and your choice. With those parameters, you must live with the consequences, even if the consequences are a lifetime ban.
 
Stay ot of racing, no. Stay out of NASCAR, yes !!!!! For all the reasons given in two posts and a lot more never touched upon. The young man is irresponsible and rude. He has no concept of the meaning of the word respect. He is obviously a spoiled brat with little to no discipline in his life. Will he change in five to ten years ??? Possibly, but doubtful. IMO, he will, quite likely, use some artificial stimulation to face the realities of life or enhance his personal pleasures.
This is one case where NASCAR can do the right thing and ban him for life. The lifetime ban of a talented driver having a high profile personality such as his father, would send a very hard message to anyone who has the talent to drive or work in the premier series of NASCAR.
The big question to anyone who aspires to working within the NASCAR community and thinking of or already using drugs should be, "is it worth the risk" ?????
You decide, it is your responsibility and your choice. With those parameters, you must live with the consequences, even if the consequences are a lifetime ban.
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i understand what your saying, but a 35 year old is much dift than a 25 year old...people make mistakes and learn from them...did he learn the first time around? no...but id say when's 30 or 35 he'll probably be a better man...i think you need to keep him out of racing until he shows he is a better person..and then reconsider the punishment once he is 100 percent clean....i personally feel sorry for him, he obviously has a problem that he needs to get corrected.....drugs are the devil and will take over your life.
 
Good post Whizzer. The real problem, or lack of one lies in our society's willingness to forgive and forget. It seems that as long as someone says they are sorry for their misgivings, people will forgive and forget, especially in sports. Controversial players can sometimes bring in more money and therein lies another problem. Sending messages to other players? In this day and age, it seems that the players are the ones sending the messages. If you don't like what I do, I'll shop around til I find someone who doesn't mind. Unless the penalties that are given are adhered to, they don't mean anything.
 
Personally I think the kid is a jerk. I think they ought to keep him out of any kind of racing. He cannot be trusted, he's already proven that. What's it going to take? What's he got to hurt someone? They should ban him from all sports where his stupidity and poor decisions are not going to jeapordize anyone else.
 
Personally I think the kid is a jerk. I think they ought to keep him out of any kind of racing. He cannot be trusted, he's already proven that. What's it going to take? What's he got to hurt someone? They should ban him from all sports where his stupidity and poor decisions are not going to jeapordize anyone else.
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you cant ban someone because he's a jerk...Nascar needs to set a standard regarding drug test...do like the NFL does....busted once, your gone for 4 races and you get tested frequently, busted twice, your gone for a year and tested 2 or 3 times a week, if in the off season, busted 3 times, your gone for good. Nascar also has to do a better job testing its drivers..a driver must pass a drug test before they are allowed to race....plain and simple

Not only that, nascar has also needs to come up with a system to help hurt drivers, case in point, Jr last year when he was burned and was on antibotics and pain killers, he had to stop taking them so many days before he got back in the car...with the way the point system is ran, a driver cant afford to sit out a few races.....Nascar needs to set standards and stick to them.
 
This Buds For Me said:
you cant ban someone because he's a jerk...Nascar needs to set a standard regarding drug test...do like the NFL does....busted once, your gone for 4 races and you get tested frequently, busted twice, your gone for a year and tested 2 or 3 times a week, if in the off season, busted 3 times, your gone for good. Nascar also has to do a better job testing its drivers..a driver must pass a drug test before they are allowed to race....plain and simple

Not only that, nascar has also needs to come up with a system to help hurt drivers, case in point, Jr last year when he was burned and was on antibotics and pain killers, he had to stop taking them so many days before he got back in the car...with the way the point system is ran, a driver cant afford to sit out a few races.....Nascar needs to set standards and stick to them.
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Should be zero tolerance. With his dad being a Cup crew chief, you'd think the dumb ass would know better. He thought nobody could touch him.
They should ban him like they banned Pete Rose.
Maybe it would go easier for you if he'd hurt someone first.
 
This Buds For Me said:
you cant ban someone because he's a jerk...Nascar needs to set a standard regarding drug test...do like the NFL does....busted once, your gone for 4 races and you get tested frequently, busted twice, your gone for a year and tested 2 or 3 times a week, if in the off season, busted 3 times, your gone for good. Nascar also has to do a better job testing its drivers..a driver must pass a drug test before they are allowed to race....plain and simple

Not only that, nascar has also needs to come up with a system to help hurt drivers, case in point, Jr last year when he was burned and was on antibotics and pain killers, he had to stop taking them so many days before he got back in the car...with the way the point system is ran, a driver cant afford to sit out a few races.....Nascar needs to set standards and stick to them.
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Busted once, 1 year suspension
Busted twice Banned for life!
 
Maybe it would go easier for you if he'd hurt someone first.
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absoutley not..and thats an absurd comment....test him every time before he gets in a race car......if he test positive he shouldnt be allowed to race....there needs to be a set standard just as there is in other sports.
 
Fortunately right now we don't see the drugs, scandals and other b.s. that's going on in the NFL and other sports.
If they use this bonehead as an example it will end right here.
Why should they have to monitor somebody that has proven that he cannot comply.
When and where do you suggest they test him? At the track? On Friday before qualifying? Who is going to administer the test? What, now they have to have lab personnel at the track?
It's ridiculous.
The closest he should be allowed to a race car is catch-can man.
 
BobbyFord said:
Fortunately right now we don't see the drugs, scandals and other b.s. that's going on in the NFL and other sports.
If they use this bonehead as an example it will end right here.
Why should they have to monitor somebody that has proven that he cannot comply.
When and where do you suggest they test him? At the track? On Friday before qualifying? Who is going to administer the test? What, now they have to have lab personnel at the track?
It's ridiculous.
The closest he should be allowed to a race car is catch-can man.
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I can hear it now;
"Where's Shane? where's Shane? Oh **** he's over there sniffing the catch can!" :) :) :) :)
 
Fortunately right now we don't see the drugs, scandals and other b.s. that's going on in the NFL and other sports.
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That's because NASCAR's drug testing policy is a joke. Of the 40-45 drug tests they did over the past 2 years 15 were on Shane. The company's substance-abuse policy requires testing whenever there is reasonable suspicion. NASCAR needs to step up to the plate and begin random drug testing of ALL driver's and crew members. And, everyone should be tested at least once a year.
There should be a list of banned substances put out for public consumption and on failing a drug test the 2nd time that person's name should be published. I'll give them the 1st time for privacy. Baseball, football, basketball, etc don't carry the same dangers that we have in racing.
To put people's lives in danger for lack of a reasonable suspicion is ludicrous. I also think every driver should undergo a breathalyzer test before getting behind the wheel on race day. And, any alcohol in their system and they get to sit out the race.
Harsh, you bet. But, for the safety of everyone involved its needed.
 
be9ak7ts16 said:
Give the kid a second chance and if he pi**es it away, 3 strikes and your out.
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He's had all the chances he needs....this is the second time for him.....it's to risky..he could injure someone...he needs to go......he should never have been allowed back into a race car...but it's not Nascar sanctioned...should have been a little more respect for the decision Nascar made about indefinate suspension....I just hope he doesn't hurt anyone.....The kid needs to go......
 
Anyone hear anything about Kevin Grubb lately?

Wasn't he tested and suspended by NASCAR 2 years ago at Daytona? If I'm not mistaken, he wasn't even driving that weekend but was in the garage area and NASCAR tested him.
I don't see NASCAR giving him a second chance, but Shane has already had 1.
 
Shane

Nascar is unlikely to give Shane a second chance....the division he raced in is not Nascar sanctioned. Haven't heard a thing about Kevin Grubb since his suspension.
 
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