Shane Hmiel in a Petty Enterprises Car?

[Happy29]

A combination deal might land Steve Hmiel, technical director for Dale Earnhardt Inc., and his son Shane Hmiel, a Busch Series driver, at Petty Enterprises in 2004. Steve worked for the Pettys early in his Winston Cup career. Shane was supposed to drive the #43 Dodge in the Pepsi 400 in July at Daytona but failed to qualify. Jeff Green has run well recently in the #43 and also is a candidate to drive it. Johnny Benson, who will be released from the #10, might be in the mix because of his previous relationship with General Mills, the primary sponsor for the 43 car. "We're still looking, we're still evaluating, and we're still working in that direction whether it's Benson, Jeff Gordon, the guy sitting in the third row of the grandstands or Jeff Green," says Kyle Petty, the team's general manager. Petty says Christian Fittipaldi will drive the team's #44 if a sponsor is secured for next season.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)(10-20-2003)
UPDATE: Kyle Petty wants to put Shane Hmiel in a Petty Enterprises car as soon as possible. When that would be, he doesn't know. Hmiel's father, Steve, said he is optimistic Shane will have the suspension lifted by the time NASCAR testing begins at Daytona in January so Shane can sign with a team for next season.

 

[RobbyG Fan]

Dumb.

 

[bowtie]

Originally posted by RobbyG Fan@Nov 14 2003, 11:30 AM
Dumb.

for who? Petty Enterprises or Shane Hmeil?

 

[RobbyG Fan]

Originally posted by bowtie+Nov 14 2003, 12:36 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (bowtie @ Nov 14 2003, 12:36 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--RobbyG Fan@Nov 14 2003, 11:30 AM
Dumb.

for who? Petty Enterprises or Shane Hmeil? [/b][/quote]
PE.

They want to put a young inexperienced driver who hasnt driven in half a year in their car over a seasoned veteran who can provide advice on how to improve their program. Add to the fact that the one time Hmiel attempted to qualify the #43 car he couldnt get it in.

 

[Coffee Warlord]

Hmiel wont get the job because he hasnt been in a Cup or Busch car in a while that and this is a possible situation IF his suspension is lifted.

Jeff Green has had some top 10 or top 15 finishes for Petty Enterprises in a couple of races this season. Green I suppose will most likely be the leading candidate for the #43 in 2004.

 

[Dinoforthe3]

Plus Shane Hmiel really never showed me anything in the first place.

 

[bowtie]

Originally posted by RobbyG Fan+Nov 14 2003, 11:44 AM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RobbyG Fan @ Nov 14 2003, 11:44 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by -bowtie@Nov 14 2003, 12:36 PM
<!--QuoteBegin--RobbyG Fan

@Nov 14 2003, 11:30 AM
Dumb.

for who? Petty Enterprises or Shane Hmeil?

PE.

[/b][/quote]
Just checkin

 

[Hurricane495]

I really hope its Jeff Green

 

[TexasRaceLady]

I can't imagine why PE would want to put him in a car. He hasn't shown outstanding talent.

Plus, I can't imagine what sponsor would want their name associated with someone suspended from racing for possible drugs.

 

[majestyx]

Originally posted by TexasRaceLady@Nov 14 2003, 02:51 PM
I can't imagine why PE would want to put him in a car. He hasn't shown outstanding talent.

Plus, I can't imagine what sponsor would want their name associated with someone suspended from racing for possible drugs.

My thoughts exactly, TRL.

 

[Tommy29]

Kyle should retire after this season so he can hire Jeff Green and Johnny Benson to drive for him.

 

[Happy29]

and they should kick Christian Fittifailure in the 44 out.

 

[PettyBenson]

I hope not!
The only reason I can think of PE wanting Shane is that it would mean Steve would more than likely come over and help improve the team. If PE wants shane, open the BGNn team back up and run shane there for another year or two and get rid of CF.

I would not mind seeign jeff stay in the 43, but it sounds like he may go back to ppc in the bgn. I hope JB gets the 43 ride. It seems like his deal that I knew about fell through.

 

[majestyx]

Posted on Sun, Nov. 16, 2003

Shane Hmiel's status still uncertain, NASCAR says
By JIM UTTER
ThatsRacin.com Writer

NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said the sanctioning body has made no decision "when or if" Busch Series competitor Shane Hmiel will be reinstated.
Hmiel was suspended indefinitely in September for a violation of NASCAR's substance-abuse policy. He was eighth in series points at the time.

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of speculation that car owners in different series were trying to hire Hmiel to drive for their teams.

Hunter said Hmiel had been following the procedures and plans set forth by NASCAR president Mike Helton for his reinstatement.