Shane Hmiel didn't have much experience when he arrived in the NASCAR Busch Series at the end of 2001. Hmiel mainly ran in the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series where he had 2 wins and 13 top ten finishes; ending the 2001 season fifth in points and Rookie of the Year.

Hmiel fit right in the NASCAR garages since his he grew up around races. Steve Hmiel, Shane's father, is technical director at Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Hmiel started strong his first race in the NASCAR Busch Series at Daytona International Speedway. He finishing fifth and by the end of the 2002 season he had achieved two poles, two top-fives and five top-ten finishes.

The 2003 season proved to be equally successful where he had two back to back third-place finishes at Texas and Talladega. He scored one pole, four top-five and 10 top-10 finishes.

In the 2004 season, Hmiel joined NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner Billy Ballew in the number No. 15 Earl Small's Harley Davidson Chevy Silverado.