Shane Hmiel Seriously Injured

[tstran17_88]

http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/uncategorized/shane-hmiel-seriously-injured/

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — USAC standout Shane Hmiel was critically injured in a qualifying crash Saturday night for the USAC Silver Crown Series Sumar Classic 100 at the Terre Haute Action Track.

According to a USAC statement Hmiel, 30, was transported from Terre Haute via helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he is listed in critical condition in the hospital’s intensive care unit.

“We are very concerned about Shane and offer our resources and our support to his family during this time of healing,” said USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller.

Hmiel started his racing career in NASCAR and made 117 starts in NASCAR’s three major touring divisions before being suspended for life as a result multiple failed drug tests.

After coming to grips with his problems the North Carolina native made his move to USAC, earning his first victory in USAC-sanctioned victory during a USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series event Iowa Speedway last season.

This year Hmiel has victories in each of USAC’s national touring divisions (sprint car, midget and Silver Crown).

National Speed Sport News will update this story as information becomes available.

[slorydn1]

Ouch. Man that sucks, Yeah he's got history, but still, no one deserves that.

I hope he gets better, soon......

[Sparky1329]

I hope he survives this horrible accident without suffering serious brain damage. I wish him well and hope he has a full recovery. :(

[Alexamateo]

This is terrible! :( By all accounts, he had really turned his life around and was doing well. Thoughts and Prayers.

[Jag_Warrior]

Terrible news. I hope he makes a full recovery.

[harvick#1]

good luck Shane, we are all pulling for a healthy recovery

[Mark in Oshawa]

After seeing the accident, I pray for his recovery..but I hope people are investigating how the roll cage just gave up the fight...it is troubling....

[Easy Drifter]

Roll cages can only be designed to take so much force. Remember they are part of the frame in almost all cases. G force impacts can be and are at times horrendous.
Most sanctioning bodies require at least one inspection hole to check that the tubes meet spec. That actually creates a weak spot in the structure and even more worrisome a possible stress riser. Basically an almost indetectible crack greatly comprimising the entire cage.
The answer is, although not perfect, a density meter, which allows inspection of the roll cage tubes without a inspection hole. They ain't cheap and I have no idea if USAC uses them.
A poor weld can also contribute to problems and again hard to detect. Even the welder might not spot it if there is some contamination in a piece of metal. Rare but not impossible.
Winged sprinters are a little safer, in most cases, because the wing absorbs energy. That said they can interefere with driver extraction.
All that said I really hope Shane recovers and continues his career.

[NastyCar]

Ouch. Man that sucks, Yeah hid kits (http://electronicfiend.com/hid-kits/) he's got history, but still, no one deserves that.

I hope he gets better, soon......


Yea true. I'm sure he will though.