BUSCH SERIES Shane Hmiel developing into talented race driver

In his second season, he ranks 10th in the Busch Series points race.
GLADEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Shane Hmiel is proof that a family name goes only so far.
Being the son of Steve Hmiel, former NASCAR crew chief and currently technical director of DEI Incorporated, meant that Shane grew up around tracks, garages, car owners and other mechanics.
But when his father's buddy, Gere Kennon, called him in October 2001 to replace Kenny Wallace in practice, Shane needed only a couple turns around the track to show he had plenty of talent in his own right.
Hmiel ranks 10th in the Busch Series points race in the middle of his second season on the circuit. He has four top 10 finishes this season, including finishing third in consecutive weeks at Texas and Talladega.
"Growing up with my dad, racing's all I've ever known, and that's all I care about," said Hmiel, who ignored his parents' wishes when he decided against college in favor of racing.
Talented racer
His boss, George diBidart, owner of the Innovative Motorsports, said everyone knows about Hmiel's family ties. What impressed him most is how Hmiel races.
"This kid just has a natural seat-of-the-pants ability to drive a race car. I don't think anybody really knew it other than at the local level," diBidart said.
DiBidart learned about Shane's skill as a driver in 2001 when he found himself without someone to practice before a race at Memphis. Wallace had to be in Martinsville, so Kennon, the crew chief, talked diBidart into letting Hmiel take the wheel.
Kennon has known Hmiel since he was a toddler and watched him grow up from riding his motorcycle to competing on the Goody's Dash Series as a co-worker and friend with Steve Hmiel first at Rouch Racing, then DEI. Kennon quickly called his buddy to track down Shane.
"Maybe I've got an eye for seeing them, but I thought he could do it," Kennon said.
Shane had never driven a Busch car before Memphis, had never raced on radial tires, and the crew didn't adjust the seat to better suit him. He still turned the fastest laps that day.
DiBidart immediately put Shane on the payroll, keeping him with the team through the end of the year and putting him into a car in 2002.
Hmiel responded by finishing fifth in his first career start at Daytona in February 2001. He posted eight top 10 finishes and earned two poles, his first at Nashville Superspeedway in just his seventh start.
Kennon said Hmiel is fearless in a car but smart enough to listen. Hmiel found himself running three wide at Nashville in April but backed off and avoided wrecking.
"There's been a ton of difference between this year and last year," Kennon said. "He looked like he was a little impatient. He was used to running late model races of 25-50 laps, and these races last 21/2 hours. You've got to be there all day to be there (at the end). That's stuff you've got to learn as you go."
Steve Hmiel attends every race, but Kennon said he stays out of the way.
Next challenge
Shane's next biggest challenge is winning his first Busch race. He had a chance at New Hampshire last year but finished fourth.
He has struggled in the past month since turning 24, wrecking twice, blowing an engine and finishing 34th last weekend at Nashville Superspeedway because of more engine trouble.
How long before Hmiel tries to jump to Winston Cup remains to be seen. Hmiel will only admit that he is in no rush to get to the senior circuit.
Sponsorship may force changes.
DeBidart has been competing this season without a sponsor, leaving the hood of Hmiel's yellow No. 47 Chevrolet blank. That has forced the team to do without the research and development and testing enjoyed by teams with deeper pockets.
A sports marketing executive in his sixth season as an owner, diBidart is trying to land a new sponsor. He said he might've closed up before now if not for his commitment to his employees, and he also wants to help Hmiel continue developing.
"He's got a great future ahead of him," diBidart said. "I hope we can get in a position to keep him with our organization. We have a contract with him, but we need to be able to field the best equipment, the best opportunity for him. It's getting to the point now where I just can't afford to do it out of my pocket."
Hmiel appreciates loyalty. He said keeping a team together for several years is what helped Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham win four Winston Cup championships. He also knows how expensive a Winston Cup team can be, starting at $15 million just to get started.
The only thing he knows for sure is that he will not be returning to college.
"I'm not going to do anything I don't enjoy, and driving and working on race cars is what I live for," Hmiel said.