Charlotte, NC (March 23, 2009) – Winning a “B” main feature and missing the main event at the Chili Bowl by one spot just wasn’t enough for Shane Hmiel the first time he drove a midget on dirt. He sought out some advice from one of the all time greats. Hmiel caught up with two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and asked him some questions about life as a team owner, missing the Chili Bowl and what advice he has for someone at the event for the first time. 3 Wide Life was there to capture the moment.
“I was a little nervous,” said Hmiel, “talking to a guy like Tony Stewart. I have known him and raced with him for a long time, but when it comes to other drivers, I am still a little concerned what these guys think of me. Tony and I go way back, and I can’t thank him enough for taking the time to do the interview. He is a class act.”
3 Wide Life’s fifth season starts the first week of April and is syndicated throughout the United States. The premier episode uses the famed Chili Bowl as it’s first back drop of the season for reasons that hit close to home. The 3 Wide Life team entered a car into the event as a tribute to one of the executive producer’s family members. Alex Pruett is the late son of Steve Pruett, co-creator of 3 Wide Life. Alex built the car specifically for the event, but after he passed away in 2007, the car was just sitting there acting as nothing but a memory of unfinished business.
“Alex would have hated seeing that car not being used,” explained 3 Wide Life executive producer Steve Pruett. “Shane (Hmiel) was the perfect driver to fill the empty seat. We are so proud of how he performed and having 3 Wide Life become Alex’s legacy. It is truly an honor to be part of such a wonderful event and wonderful racing community.”