Hmiel suspended for substance abuse

To return, driver must undergo counseling, random testing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR officials have suspended driver Shane Hmiel indefinitely pursuant to sections 12-4-A: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; and 12-4-E: Violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy as set forth in the 2003 NASCAR rulebook.

	Shane Hmiel

The suspension will remain in effect until Hmiel meets the terms and conditions as set forth by NASCAR for future reinstatement. To that end, NASCAR will require Hmiel to attend counseling and undergo periodic random testing.

"NASCAR has a zero tolerance for any type of behavior in violation of our Substance Abuse Policy," said NASCAR President Mike Helton. "While our primary responsibility is the safety of our drivers and our fans, we also have a moral responsibility to protect the integrity of our sport."

To emphasize the critical importance of a substance-free sport, NASCAR, in 1988, created its Substance Abuse Policy. The policy provides for testing under reasonable suspicion, an approach that is well suited to NASCAR because of the close and continuing contact between our officials and our competitors.

As a result, Hmiel was released by Innovative Motorsports, his Busch Series team. Jeff Green will take over driving duties of the No. 48 Chevrolet for this weekend's Stacker 200 at Dover.

"First and foremost, our entire organization wants to apologize to our sponsors, NASCAR, each of the NASCAR competitors, and our fans due to the recent developments surrounding this situation," said IMI team owner George deBidart.

"We certainly do not condone this type of behavior, and we fully support NASCAR in its decision."

The team owner added that the team will now institute a drug testing policy for all employees.