INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Ex-NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel (pronounced Meal) is in critical but stable condition after being injured Saturday night during qualifying for the U.S. Auto Racing Club’s Silver Crown race at Terre Haute Action Track.
Hmiel was banned for life from NASCAR in 2006 after failing three drug tests. The USAC says the 30-year-old driver from Pleasant Garden, N.C., was airlifted to Indianapolis’ Methodist Hospital, where he was in critical condition with head injuries.
A news release from the USAC on Sunday said Hmiel remained in the hospital’s intensive care unit and was expected to have surgery within 24 hours.
The Tribune-Star of Terre Haute reported that Hmiel’s No. 17 car slammed into the outside wall between the third and fourth turns and rolled over several times, damaging the protective roll cage.
Hmiel’s father, Steve, says his son has a “long road to recovery.”
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