Pubdate: Wed, 21 Apr 2004
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2004 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
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Author: Don Coble
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate Georgia and
South Carolina circulation area
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

HMIEL BACK FROM THE BRINK

ATLANTA - The road Shane Hmiel now travels is straight and narrow, and it
doesn't allow any detours.

The young driver, once banished in shame from NASCAR for using drugs, now
works as a mentor to keep other children from making the same mistake. When
Hmiel tested positive for an illegal substance shortly after last
September's race at the Richmond International Raceway, NASCAR stripped him
of his racing license and banned him from the garage area.

He was ordered to complete a substance abuse rehabilitation program and make
himself available to random drug testing. He completed the program and had
his license reissued for the season-opening races at the Daytona
International Speedway in February.

He now works for Billy Ballew Motorsports on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck
Series. So far, teams on the more-popular Busch and Nextel Cup series have
shown little to no interest in the 23-year-old son of Steve Hmiel, the
technical director at Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Young Hmiel isn't looking for sympathy. Part of his recovery was to admit
his problem and take responsibility for his actions.

`I made the wrong choices and I got caught," he said.

He travels to schools when he's not racing to work with the Drug Abuse
Resistance Education program. Drug counselors long ago realized their
tactics of having police preach to children doesn't work. They now use a
program of role models and mentors to make the connection.

Hmiel's erratic behavior before and during the race at Richmond, including a
bizarre crash involving Jason Keller at the end of the race, prompted NASCAR
to demand a drug test. When he tested positive, he became the first driver
since Tim Richmond in 1987 to be banned for an illegal substance. While his
suspension and ultimate termination from his full-time ride on the Busch
Series was embarrassing, he said the toughest part was telling his parents.
After all, his father had been a part of the sport for nearly 30 years.

`They were heartbroken, and more embarrassed than anything. My dad has been
in this sport for a long time. It hurt everybody around me," he said.

"Actually, it was embarrassing for me, but I don't think it was as
embarrassing for me as it was for them. They were so excited when I made it
to Busch because they knew how hard I'd worked. Then to throw it all away
like that was so stupid." Hmiel now talks openly about his failure.

He not only defended NASCAR for its decision to test and eventually suspend
him, he said the racing organization should expand its drug testing program.
"I think it's been a good deal," Hmiel said. "NASCAR's handled it pretty
well and I am doing everything they ask me to do. I met with several doctors
and counselors and having the time off, I got my priorities straight and set
my mind to being reinstated.

"I think (testing) should be done more, really. It should be more of a set
thing. I think everybody needs to be tested -- not saying there's stuff
going on, but just to have more of a set program. It's definitely a good
policy. It's definitely important."

Hmiel got a rare second chance when he was hired by Ballew. NASCAR generally
has little patience for troublemakers, especially since sponsorships are
tied so closely to a driver's image.

Hmiel knows he has to prove himself every day for the rest of his career,
and he won't be afforded a third chance.

"I am so thankful that people believed in me," he said. "Billy Ballew gave
me his truck when most people didn't want to take on the risk. I know I was
wrong and made a mistake. Now it's time for me to help others learn from my
past mistakes. I'm honored that the people at DARE are giving me this
opportunity to share my experience, and I hope I can make a difference."

Hmiel knows it may take years for him to win back the confidence of Busch
and Nextel Cup series car owners and sponsors. But in the long run, the
experience will prove to be rewarding. "It will be better for me and my
career," he said. And a lesson for others to learn.
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