In the world of racing, there are champions, there are legends, and then there is Randy LaJoie. A three-time Busch series champion and a driving force in the pursuit of making racing safer, LaJoie has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Twenty-seven years ago, Randy LaJoie had an idea that turned into a dream. He began manufacturing seats for race cars, and his company, The Joie of Seating, was born. LaJoie revolutionized the aluminum seat market with his stamped, molded aluminum seat that fits 95 percent of a driver’s body. This innovation has increased safety in the sport and saved countless lives.
But LaJoie’s dedication to safety extends far beyond his seat manufacturing business. He is a man on a mission to keep race car drivers, especially grassroots racers, as safe as possible. For more than 20 years, the two-time Busch Series champion (1996-97) has dedicated his post-racing life to improving safety. He focuses on sportsman and amateur racers who often race with inferior safety equipment, if any at all.
LaJoie’s commitment to safety has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the sport. His impact on racing safety has been profound, and his dedication to helping educate racers about safety continues to make a difference.
Born on August 28, 1961, in Norwalk, Connecticut, Randy LaJoie started racing go-karts at the young age of 12. He quickly transitioned to full-bodied race cars and achieved great success. He became a four-time SK Modified feature winner at Stafford and the 1996 and 1997 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion. In fact, in 1997, LaJoie became the first driver in Xfinity Series history to win $1 million in a single season.
LaJoie’s racing career may have come to an end, but his passion for safety and his dedication to the sport continue to drive him. He spends much of his time at his seat shop in Concord, educating racers about safety and providing them with safe, strong aluminum race seats. Over the past decade, he has visited more than 128 race tracks across the country to promote his Safer Racer program.
LaJoie’s impact on racing safety cannot be overstated. His innovative seat designs and his tireless efforts to educate and protect drivers have made a lasting difference in the sport. He is a true champion, not only on the track but also in the pursuit of making racing safer for all.