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Randy LaJoie on Pole for NASCAR BGN Food City 250

22 August 1997

BRISTOL, TN - Current NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division points leader Randy LaJoie will lead the field to green for tonight's Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

LaJoie posted a lap of 15.823 seconds (121.267 mph) to record his second pole of the 1997 season. The #74 FINA Chevrolet started first at Indianapolis Raceway Park earlier this month.

Starting alongside LaJoie is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the #7 Church Brothers Collision Repair Chevrolet. Earnhardt posted an impressive lap of 120.786 mph in his first attempt to qualify at the 0.533-mile oval. This will be the sixth Busch Series start for the youngster from Kannapolis, NC.

Rounding out the top five are Buckshot Jones, Tim Fedewa and Dick Trickle.

A pair of drivers encountered trouble during time trials. Shane Hall lost control of his car as he entered turn one on his second lap. The #85 Lucks Chevrolet spun and slammed into the outside wall but Hall was able to drive away in his damaged Monte Carlo

Larry Pearson hit the wall in turn wall after taking the checkered flag on his qualifying effort. The #50 Rawlings Pontiac needed an assist from a tow truck to get back to the garage area.

Forty-two cars are slated to start the 250-lap event with Chris Diamond being the only driver who failed to qualify.

Lori Vizza -- The Auto Channel