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NASCAR BGN: LaJoie and Atwood have 'things' in common

22 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

What do NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division drivers Randy LaJoie and Casey Atwood have in common, other than the fact they compete week in and week out on the track? Go-karts.

LaJoie, driver of the No. 1 Bob Evans Restaurants Chevrolet Monte Carlo, began his racing career in go-karts at the age of 12 before advancing to the heavier stock cars in 1980 at Danbury (Conn.) Racearena.

Atwood has a similar background, as he began racing go-karts when he was 10 years old. Like LaJoie, he progressed to heavier race cars before making his way to the NASCAR Busch Series.

It was no surprise to find Atwood and LaJoie getting "back to their roots" at LaJoie's go-kart track at his race shop in Concord, N.C., the day after the All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Charlotte.

"Casey and those guys had some work to get done here in Charlotte," LaJoie said. "They didn't need to drive all the way back to their shop in Tennessee, so I offered to let them use my shop."

After Atwood's crew completed their work, LaJoie and Atwood strapped on their helmets and took to the go-kart track for some friendly competition. There were no sponsors, no media and no car owners -- just racers.

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