NASCAR reinstates LaJoie following suspension

NASCAR reinstated former driver Randy LaJoie on Wednesday following his suspension for a failed drug test.

LaJoie was suspended in June for violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy. He said at the time he had smoked marijuana in May, and in reinstating him, NASCAR said he successfully completed a counseling program.

"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 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, who was also an ESPN analyst, was suspended by the network following his suspension. He had been randomly drug tested by NASCAR because he applied for a license to become a spotter for one of Joe Gibbs Racing's Nationwide Series teams.

Lajoie raced in 44 races over 12 years in NASCAR's elite Cup Series. His success was in the Nationwide Series, where he won 15 races over 19 seasons.