Shane Hmiel was suspended indefinitely June 3 after failing a substance abuse test. Credit: Autostock

NASCAR: Hmiel out until at least the 2007 season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Driver Shane Hmiel has been suspended from NASCAR competition until at least 2007, NASCAR officials said Wednesday.

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At that time, NASCAR will evaluate whether or not he will be allowed to return to competition.

Hmiel was suspended indefinitely June 3 after failing a substance abuse test. It was Hmiel's second offense.

He was first suspended in September 2003 after failing a substance abuse test. He completed a prescribed rehabilitation program and was reinstated for NASCAR competition in February 2004.

NASCAR will lay out a road map for Hmiel's possible reinstatement in 2007, including a rehabilitation program that will include medical and psychological reviews, as well as frequent testing.

NASCAR will continue to be vigilant in enforcing its Substance Abuse Policy. The policy, based on reasonable suspicion, allows NASCAR to broadly administer tests virtually anytime, anywhere.