Who Is Shane Hmiel? Age, Biography and Wiki
Shane Hmiel, an American racing driver, was born on May 15, 1980. As of 2025, he is 44 years old. Hmiel is known for his impressive career in various motor racing series, including the NASCAR and USAC circuits. His journey in racing has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, making him a notable figure in the world of motorsports. His biography highlights his early love for racing, which began in Karting before progressing to the upper echelons of car racing.
| Occupation | Sports |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Shane Hmiel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Shane Hmiel stands at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 175 pounds (79 kg). His athletic build has contributed to his success on the race track, where physical stamina is as crucial as driving skill.
While qualifying for a USAC Silver Crown race, Hmiel's car crashed at the Terre Haute Action Track on October 9, 2010. The roll cage collapsed after hitting the retaining wall. He was airlifted to Methodist Hospital with head, back, and neck injuries.
Shortly after arriving, he was in critical but stable condition after having been put into a medically induced coma to minimize brain swelling. Hmiel was paralyzed as a result of his injuries; Hmiel has since regained limited use of his limbs, but continues to require the use of a wheelchair.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Shane Hmiel is known to be in a committed relationship. While he tends to keep his personal life relatively private, he often shares glimpses of his relationship with his girlfriend on social media. The couple seems to share common interests in travel and motorsport, making them a well-suited pair. He maintains a close relationship with his family, who have always been supportive of his racing career.
Net Worth and Salary
Shane Hmiel's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $2 million. His earnings stem primarily from his racing career, endorsements, and various business ventures in the automotive and motorsport industry. In recent years, his income has been supplemented by sponsorship deals and partnerships with racing-related brands.
Hmiel was not paid his 2005 salary for races prior to the suspension, as Braun Racing alleged that Hmiel signed the contract in bad faith due to health concerns, leading Hmiel to sue the team for over $135,000 in earnings and another $135,000 for "bad faith dealings" by the team.
Under oath, Hmiel admitted that he violated NASCAR's substance abuse policy with a positive test for marijuana in 2003 and a positive test for marijuana and cocaine in 2005. Hmiel denied he was using drugs on a regular basis (at least once a week) in 2005.
Hmiel denied that he had tested positive for heroin at any time from 2003 to 2005, and testified that he was not under the influence of any drug at any time while he was racing. The disposition of the lawsuit is unknown.
Career, Business and Investments
Shane Hmiel has had a dynamic career in motor racing, competing in various prestigious events across the United States. His professional journey includes notable achievements in both NASCAR and open-wheel racing. Following his racing career, Hmiel has ventured into business, exploring opportunities in automotive consulting and sports management. His investments primarily focus on ventures that align with his passion for motorsports, demonstrating his commitment to staying connected to the industry.
Shane Riley Hmiel (pronounced: "Meal") (born May 15, 1980) is an American former racecar driver, who competed in all three of NASCAR's national series.
Hmiel's controversial stock car career, marred by accidents from his aggressive driving style, ended in 2006 after he failed a third substance abuse test and was banned from competing in NASCAR for life.
After rebuilding his career in open wheel racing, primarily in United States Auto Club sanctioned dirt track racing, Hmiel was paralyzed in a near fatal racing accident on October 9, 2010, in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Prior to the accident, Hmiel had become the first driver to win the Hoosier Hundred, Rich Vogler Classic, and the Pat O'Connor Memorial, the three premier USAC midget-car races, in the same season.
Social Network
Shane Hmiel is active on several social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. He uses these platforms to connect with fans, share updates about his life, and promote his racing endeavors. His engaging content often includes behind-the-scenes glimpses of racing events, personal insights, and visuals from his travels.
A week later on September 18, Hmiel was suspended indefinitely for failing a drug test, testing positive for marijuana. According to NASCAR's substance abuse policy, the sanctioning body is allowed to administer drug tests, based only on "reasonable suspicion", at their sole discretion.
At the time, he was the highest-profile driver to fail such a test. Hmiel was released from Innovative Motorsports, replaced with former Busch Series champion Jeff Green at Dover, then several other veteran drivers for the remainder of the season.
He was set to drive the 91 car for Evernham Motorsports that weekend at Dover coming up but the team withdrew after the suspension.
Education
Shane Hmiel pursued his education with a focus on subjects that would support his racing ambitions. While specifics about his educational journey are not extensively public, it is known that he has balanced his studies with his early racing career, showcasing his determination and commitment from a young age.
At Charlotte in May 2005, Hmiel was administered another substance test following Busch Series qualifying, after NASCAR officials observed Hmiel making "erratic moves" on the racetrack. In June at Dover, it was revealed that he had failed the test, and he was escorted from the garage by NASCAR officials.
Hmiel had tested positive for marijuana and cocaine, and was suspended "indefinitely" starting in May 2005. Hmiel was offered a chance at reinstatement after his second infraction, under condition that he submit to medical and psychological reviews, and frequent drug testing before reinstatement.
In February, 2006, however, Hmiel failed a third and final drug test, and was banned for life from NASCAR. He stated on WindTunnel with Dave Despain on April 4, 2010, and on several other occasions that his ban was "the best thing that's happened" to him. The ban would be partially lifted in 2012 (see below).
