A Personal Video Message from Shane Hmiel

Mooresville, NC | Oct 14, 2011 - Just a day away from the anniversary of the viscous accident in USAC Silver Crown qualifying that ended his driving career, Shane Hmiel was atop the podium again... but this time as a car owner at the prestigous USAC Gold Crown Midget Nationals at Tri-City Speedway. Legendary NFL coach Vince Lombardi said, “It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.” Shane Hmiel has been knocked down a few times and continues to get back up and reinvent his career in motor sports...

First, he was banned for life from NASCAR in 2006 for a "third strike" substance abuse violation. Instead of hiding, Shane first took responsibility for his problem and then took action to fix it. While in rehab, Shane discovered he had Bi-Polar disorder and had been self medicating since the age of twelve. Shane got clean and set about restarting his career.   Hmiel started in Late Models then moved to the three USAC open wheel divisions in 2009, winning six races in 2010 and forging plans to run the full IndyCar Lights schedule in 2011 for former Indy Racing League regular Tyce Carlson.

Those plans changed at The Action Track in Terre Haute, IN on Oct. 9, 2010. (see the crash in Shane Hmiel's Story video below)

On Oct. 8, 2011, Shane entered a car for driver Levi Jones and they dominated the final night of the USAC Gold Crown Midget Nationals at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL even after needing to borrow a motor when theirs blew up.  CLICK HERE for COMPLETE GOLD CROWN VIDEO COVERAGE

In situations where many would walk away defeated, Shane Hmiel continues to spit in fate's eye and say "Is that all you got?". Hmiel is courage, strength and inspiration personified....

Shane Hmiel's Story - Part 1


Shane Hmiel's Story - Part 2