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Filed under: Nationwide Series, NASCAR

Newly reinstated by NASCAR after a failed drug test this summer, former NASCAR series champion Randy LaJoie opened up to FanHouse about the fateful May night he smoked marijuana, the ensuing NASCAR-mandated treatment since his June 22 suspension, his future in racing and his opportunity to teach his teenage children about owning up and making right.

"It was an isolated incident, but I was guilty as charged, no excuses,'' the two-time Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series champion LaJoie said in a telephone interview Tuesday.

"I called NASCAR before it all came out even and said, 'I did it. Now what do I have to do to get back?' ''

"That was the way I was taught. When you do something wrong, you need to fix it.''

Of the 32 people suspended for positive drug tests in the last five seasons under NASCAR's random testing policy, LaJoie is one of 10 who have been reinstated, according to NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston.

A major step was simply getting NASCAR to release a statement last Wednesday announcing that he had been reinstated, considering his suspension had been scroll fodder on sports channels when it was originally announced. NASCAR has publicly revealed all the suspensions, but this is the first time it has announced a reinstatement.

"We want to see competitors take advantage of the (treatment) program, that's why it exists,'' Poston said. "Anytime someone can make a successful comeback is a victory for everyone.''

 

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Click Here To Find Cool Nascar Items!

Filed under: Nationwide Series, NASCAR

Two-time Nationwide series champion driver and television commentator Randy LaJoie has been reinstated by NASCAR as a crew member after successfully completing a counseling program in the wake of his June 22 suspension for violating the sanctioning body's drug policies.

LaJoie tested positive for marijuana on June 11 in a NASCAR drug test and confessed that he'd smoked some pot with fans in the infield of Charlotte Motor Speedway after the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30.

"I am thankful to NASCAR for reinstating me for competition, and grateful to my friends and family who supported me through this time," LaJoie said Wednesday in a statement. "This has been a tremendous learning and growing process for me, and I have come through it a stronger, better person. I am looking forward to returning to work, and continuing to prove to NASCAR, my colleagues, my family and my friends that this was an isolated incident that I have put behind me."

LaJoie will continue to lead the Joie of Seating, the seat design business he founded, the statement said, and the Safer Racer Tour, a non-profit organization that was designed to help reach out to the auto racers many feel are most at risk; the numerous short track drivers around the country.

But there was no immediate word from ESPN on the status of his work there as a broadcast commentator for Nationwide series races. He was suspended from ESPN on June 22 as well.

"I screwed up," LaJoie told Sirius Satellite Radio's Dave Moody. "NASCAR tested me the day when I wanted to go spot for someone at Nashville. I already have two NASCAR licenses, but they said I needed a spotter's license, and that included taking a drug test. I took the test, and got a call a few days later, saying I had tested positive for marijuana."

LaJoie said at the time that his use of marijuana was an isolated incident.

 

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