Hmiel Continues Road To Recovery Following Surgeries; Updated 10/14 12:41PM

In a story that many around the nation have been following, USAC racer Shane Hmiel continues his road to recovery.

In the past two days, Hmiel went through two separate surgeries—one for his neck and then one for his back.

The neck surgery was complete as of Sunday night and went well. According to sources, they inserted two rods into his neck, which actually stimulated the brain and got some movement out of his hands and arms.

The back surgery was completed as of 9 p.m. EST on Sunday night, and it was reported to have exceeded expectations.

This morning, his mom, Lisa Hmiel, reported that her son had a comfortable night and, in the morning, moved both arms on command.

At 2:45 p.m. EST, Hmiel is going down for an angioplasty to check his carotid artery to see if it is stretched. If it is thin, then they will put a stint in it.

His mom continues to express thanks for the prayers, stating on the Shane Hmiel - Road to Recovery Facebook page that the "contiued prayers that greatly appreciated by me, Steve and Tyler and the rest of his family and millions of friends thx."

The injuries were caused following a wreck in qualifying. During qualifying, USAC officials report, Hmiel flipped in turns three and four, with the top of the roll cage bouncing off the wall. Initial reports said that Hmiel was unresponsive at the scene. He was then airlifted to Indianapolis Methodist Hospital.

Hmiel has been working at rebuilding his racing career after receiving a lifetime ban from NASCAR in 2005 after failing a substance abuse test.

During his NASCAR career, Hmiel made seven Cup starts in two seasons. He made a total of 83 Nationwide starts over four years, earning 23 top 10 finishes, 10 of them top fives. He made a total of 29 Camping World Truck Series starts, winning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2004.

Updates will be posted as they're received.

Links to the previous articles:

October 11, 2010

October 10, 2010

Update 10/12/2010 4:54PM

The results from the angioplasty are in and they show that Hmiel has a torn artery. Surgery to repair the artery will take place on Friday.

Update 10/12/2010 11:42PM

The family reports that the drains have been removed and there are no signs of internal bleeding from the surgery. With the drains removed, this will improve waking up. He is, though, waking up more often, moving his arms and squeezing his family member's hands.

Update 10/13/2010 8:54AM

This is the update that Shane's mom Lisa posted on the facebook page this morning:

Good morning friends---have been sitting with shane most of the night. Been resting peaceful and having moments of wide awake and aware. Your prayers and thoughts and comments are gratefully appreciated.

Update 10/14/2010 12:42PM

This is the update that Hmiel's mom posted this morning:

good morning to all ---- Shane was awake off and on yesterday. but since we have one last surg on friday they doont want to remove the vent tube and replace friday due to infection and damage. Much like his mom he was highly agigated at not being able to talk and the discomfort from tube So we made decision to keep... him sedated until after surgery. keep those prayers coming thx to all