USAC: Shane Hmiel Badly Injured At Terre Haute

IndyCar

USAC: Shane Hmiel Badly Injured At Terre Haute

“We are very concerned about Shane and offer our resources and our support to his family during this time of healing,” said USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller.

Robin Miller | Posted October 10, 2010

Shane Hmiel. (NASCAR)

USAC driver Shane Hmiel remains in critical, but stable, condition at Indianapolis' Methodist Hospital following his accident during qualifications for Saturday night's Silver Crown Championship race at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track.

Hmiel suffered fractures of the neck and back and is in the hospital's intensive care unit awaiting surgery expected sometime in the next 24 hours.

Steve Hmiel, Shane's father and a former NASCAR crew chief, says his son has a "long road to recovery" and is quick to thank all the fans and friends who offered their concerns and prayers in the hours following the accident.

"We are optimistic for Shane's recovery," stated USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller, and have committed our resources to the Hmiel family. "We will monitor Shane's hospitalization and will provide updates on his progress."

UPDATE (12:45 p.m. ET): Miller reports "He's got a broken neck and broken back but opened his eyes this morning swhen he heard his mother's voice."