Filed under: Tony Stewart, Other Racing Series, Sprint Cup
FONTANA, Calif. -- Eyes moist, Tony Stewart described an emotional Sunday that began with an update on injured USAC Silver Crown driver Shane Hmiel (right) and ended with his first victory at Auto Club Speedway. "It's something that doesn't happen a lot in open-wheel racing," said Stewart, an accomplished dirt-track racer and a team owner in Silver Crown. "It was just a real freak accident that happened. Not many guys hit (the wall) like that. It was devastating and his injuries reflected that."
Hmiel, whose NASCAR career was halted after his third violation of the series' substance abuse policy, broke his neck and back during a race in Terre Haute, Ind., on Saturday. He remained in critical, but stable, condition Sunday. Despite the injuries, Stewart said Hmiel, 30, avoided paralysis.
"That made us sigh in relief," Stewart said. "He made it through the first night and that's a big step."
Hmiel went to USAC to restart his driving career -- which included one victory in the Camping World Truck Series -- after he was banned by NASCAR four years ago. When he arrived in USAC three years ago, Stewart admitted he didn't know quite what to expect.
More Coverage: Shane Hmiel Injured in Scary USAC Crash
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