Shane Hmiel, 3 Wide Life and RW Motorsports Announce new race team RW56, Inc and the “Search for the Next Great American Race Car Driver” 

Five-Time National USAC Driver Champion Levi Jones tapped to drive in 2011; 3 Wide Life to air reality TV series based around the new team and RW56, Inc’s search to find the next great American driver

(Charlotte, N.C. August 1, 2011) Former American standout racer and the always-unpredictable Shane Hmiel announced today RW56, Inc as his newest endeavor in the world of motorsports. The ambitious project comes just months after suffering extensive injuries in a racing accident last October that left him confined to a wheelchair. Hmiel is embracing his new title as team owner, adding to his already extensive and impressive racing resume.  With support coming from Steve Pruett, founder of the motorsports television program 3 Wide Life, and USAC team owners Rotondo Weirich of RW Motorsports, Hmiel will use the team and television show to build on the momentum he created before the accident in hopes of finding the next American open wheel star.  

In preparation for a full 2012 schedule, Hmiel and RW56 Inc, will field the No. 56 / 3 Wide Life dirt midget in the 7 remaining USAC National Dirt Midget races of 2011 beginning in Sun Prairie, Wisc. August 21.  Five-time National USAC driver champion Levi Jones has been tapped to drive for those remaining races. 

“We need a star to get everyone’s attention and let them know we mean business,” said Hmiel the 2010 USAC National Pavement Champion. “Levi is the man. He instantly gives us credibility and a solid foundation.”

With Shane as the owner and Levi behind the wheel, the hunt is on.  The 3 Wide Life production crew will be documenting every step of the way for a reality TV series based around Hmiel, the team and the search for a star. RW Motorsports also brings to the table the most recent Triple Crown winner Jerry Coons Jr. and National Midget Champion driver Brad Kuhn who will serve as teammates to Jones and the next great American driver. 

“This should be a lot of fun”, said Hmiel.  “We have everything an upstart team needs.  Expertise at the top, top notch equipment available from Rotondo Weirich, and built in media for exposure.  Our drivers in 2012 will have everything possible at their disposal to succeed. Our mission is to build a race team that provides a platform for drivers seeking to advance their skills at all levels and to eventually have a team that is fully sponsored and competitive from USAC to IRL.”

There is special meaning behind the team name RW56, Inc for all involved. Originally the 56 midget was driven by Steve Pruett’s son Alex, but when he passed away unexpectedly in the Fall of 2007, Pruett was left with some tough decisions.  On the fence about ever racing again, Pruett was introduced to Shane through a friend and he immediately saw a lot of similarities between him and Alex. Pruett saw that Shane was ready to turn his life around after NASCAR shut the door, and this was a wonderful way to honor Alex.  Shane seized the opportunity and the car was back on the track, finding it’s way to victory lane multiple times with Shane as the pilot. 

“Racing is the only way of life for me,” adds Hmiel. “I need to stay involved and the only way to do that due to my injuries is to become a team owner. With this new opportunity I am excited to be able to give the next great young up and comer American racer their shot. All this would not be possible without the continued support of Mr. Pruett, 3 Wide Life, and RW Motorsports.” 

For racers who aspire to be the next great American racer and fans who want to follow the building of this race team closely, videos, news, and updates will be featured regularly here at 3widelife.com. Also fans can follow @ShaneHmiel and @3WideLife on Twitter.