BUSCH: Hmiel suspended for drug use

Busch Series driver Shane Hmiel has been suspended indefinitely after failing a drug test subsequent to the race at Richmond International Speedway.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing today announced that the move comes in accordance with section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-E (the substance abuse policy in the NASCAR rulebook).

"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."

NASCAR did not release information as to what substance Hmiel had abused, but did note that Hmiel will be suspended until he meets future terms and conditions that would spur his reinstatement. Among those conditions are counseling sessions and random drug tests.

Hmiel, 22, is currently eighth in Busch Series rankings, and has four top-5 finishes this year. Hmiel is the son of DEI Technical Director and veteran Winston Cup crew chief Steve Hmiel. In reaction to his misstep, Innovative Motorsports has released him from his ride in the No. 48 Chevy. Jeff Green inherits the opportunity, starting this weekend at Dover, Delaware.

Hmiel first made an impression on the stock car racing community when he scored a top-5 in his first ever start at an ARCA event in Atlanta two years ago. He raced primarily in the Goody's Dash Series and NASCAR Weekly Touring Series before moving to Busch full time in 2002.