Randy LaJoie - two-time Busch Series Champion, outspoken ambassador and constant jokester. While the last year on and off the track has been a tough one, LaJoie still hasn’t lost his humor nor his desire to race.
 
Newer fans may not know LaJoie’s name as well as some of the youngsters, but they should. He’s a two-time Champion, 15-time race winner, nine-time pole-winner, he’s finished in the top-10 118 times and he’s been racing in the Busch Series for 18 of the 25 years. 
 
Of course, long-time fans couldn't forget, he was involved in one of the best rivalries the series ever had with Buckshot Jones. 
 
But, fast forward to this season. After a disappointing 2005, he entered the year minus a full-time ride. That’s on top of what he’s been dealing with off of the track.
 
“I’ve been working hard on my seat company (The Joie of Seating). I had a wonderful accountant who put me in the hole by about $700,000. I had to sell my house, was forced to live in the shop. We’re rebuilding. That’s what I’ve been doing for the last seven, eight months,” he says.
 
“I don’t get to race them as much as I would like to because that takes money. I’ve done a couple (fill-in rides) just for a paycheck. It’s bad but when you’re trying to rebuild and get going -paychecks are good. You don’t necessarily like to, but, a paycheck is a paycheck.”
 
While the year undoubtedly has been a battle, some good has come during the summer months as the series hit the standalone events. LaJoie says the opportunity to practice Kevin Harvick’s championship-leading Chevrolet was just what the doctor ordered.
 
“When Kevin and Will (Lind, team manager) asked me if I could practice and qualify for them if I could fit in the seat... I hit the treadmill. It’s a great opportunity to drive a good racecar.
 
I know the way things need to be done and this is how things need to be done. I know because I’ve been involved in Championship teams.”
 
His first title fell in 1996 with ’97 being a repeat year. He claimed his titles behind the wheel of BACE Motorsports entries, a team that is now non-existent.
 
But, that’s just the way things go. Championship caliber teams lose sponsorship and close their doors while championship-winning drivers miss opportunities. LaJoie however, isn’t ready to give up just yet. 
 
“I’m a racer. Everyday you wake up and think someone is going to call you. Then, you wonder why you get to the racetrack and see the people you do driving cars and you’re like, ‘What the hell did that guy call him for?’ Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense. I would think my record as a racecar driver would make people want to put me in a car.”