Shane Hmiel to get back behind the wheel of a racecar at Rockingham

Photo Credit: Shane Hmiel Road to Recovery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 3, 2013) - It is hard to forget the horrific accident on October 9, 2010 during qualifications for the USAC Silver Crown race at the Terre Haute Action Track where driver Shane Hmiel narrowly escaped death. Since that accident Hmiel’s road to recovery has been nothing short of miraculous and has served as a source of inspiration to many. At first doctors said that he only had a 10% chance to live and that he would never walk or breathe on his own again. They later said that he would never move his fingers again. Doctors then said he would never move his arms again. Then they finally said that he would never move his toes or feet again. However, Hmiel’s hard work and relentless strength to not give up has overcome the odds and did all those things that doctors said he couldn’t do.


All of his outstanding recovery would not have been possible without the support, prayers, and donations from his loving family, friends, and fans across the country. Now Hmiel has the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of a racecar with Accessible Racing at Rockingham Speedway on Saturday, January 26, 2013 and is set to overcome another obstacle he was told wouldn’t ever be done.

Hmiel spoke about his chance to get back in a racecar and said, “I can’t wait for this event at Rockingham Speedway. I have had a lot of people in my corner pulling for me since I got injured and without all my family, friends, and fans support and prayers I wouldn’t be where I am today on my road to recovery. Having this opportunity to get back behind the wheel of a racecar with Accessible Racing will allow me to show everyone their that prayers haven’t gone unanswered and that anything is possible. I am truly honored and think it is amazing what Accessible Racing stands for and what they do for our wounded Vets and physically disabled. I can’t thank Andy Hillenburg and the folks at Rockingham enough for allowing this event to take place at their track. I have great memories of the Rock from growing up as a kid all the way through my racing days so it means a lot to me that Rockingham is the first track I get to drive on since my accident. It is very important for me to continue to be an inspiration and give back to help other people in my position. I hope this event at Rockingham serves that purpose and opens the eyes of many other disabled people that they too can overcome their challenges.”

Brian Hanaford is the co-founder and presidents of Accessible Racing who built his organization on the mindset of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for disabled Vets and civilians. Hanaford grew up in an auto racing family but choose a different path in life. Running became his passion but a car accident resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that changed the course of his life. After years of recovery and emotional distress, he decided to modify a racecar to assist the physically challenged. Hanaford said, “Seeing the look on other disabled peoples’ faces when they took a ride in my racecar was a life changing experience for me. Improving somebody’s quality of life in this way is more fulfilling then any self help book or organization I learned of in 30 years. I want to continue sharing with others what has been a gift from God to me.” Contributions and continued support will help Hmiel take another huge step on his road to recovery and continue the positive impact Accessible Racing is providing for our disabled veterans and civilians. For more information on how you can be involved to help make this special event happen, please visit: Indiegogo.com/worlddrivingchallenge

Donations are being accepted now through January 26.

-Press Release courtesy of 3widelife.com