Randy LaJoie went back to his short track racing roots Saturday night by competing in the Modifieds race and promoting safety among the drivers at Havasu 95 Speedway.

The two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion travels to tracks across the country on the “Safer Racer Tour” in hopes of educating drivers on proper safety.

“I’m bringing what I learned in NASCAR and my knowledge,” said LaJoie, who promotes a line of racing seats. “Eighty-five percent of the drivers here are not safe by today’s standards. If I could make 50 percent safe that would be great.”

LaJoie, who enjoyed the enthusiasm of the packed house, finished third behind winner Jimmy Dickerson and Danny Gay in the 75-lap Modified main.

“Short track racing is so fun,” LaJoie said. “It’s good to see a good crowd and good car counts. I raced at The Bullring in Vegas and was second and I was third tonight.”

Also taking a turn in victory lane were Chase Catania (Legends), Tyler Fabozzi (Bandoleros) and Mike Harris (Factory Stocks).

The Modifieds race, which will be broadcast on VERSUS at a later date, is part of the ASA Lucas Oil Modifieds Series, which runs between Havasu, Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe, Calif., and Orange Show in San Bernardino, Calif. This was race seven as the final two dates in the nine-race series will be held in Blythe.

Gay, who entered the night 22 points ahead of Jason Patison, held onto his lead as Patison finished ninth.

There were two leaders �” local Chris Gerchman and Scott Brown �” before Dickerson inherited the lead on lap 44 when Brown left the track.

Dickerson and Gay ran 1-2 the rest of the way as Dickerson held off hard-charging Gay at the line.. LaJoie, who worked his way through the pack, moved into third with 14 laps remaining and stayed there for the finish.

“(The race) was fun,” LaJoie said. “A couple of guys I had trouble with but you have that anywhere. I had a great time. If I can keep one guys safer than when I came, it’s worth it.”

There was some jockeying for the lead in the 15-lap Legends race until Catania took the lead for good midway through. The 16-year-old from San Diego, who also won the trophy dash, held off Austin Murphy of Lancaster, Calif., for the victory.

“I knew he was there,” said Catania. “I tried not to look in my mirror and drive my line.”

It was Catania’s first trip to 95 Speedway and he said he plans to return. “It’s probably my favorite track. It’s faster and easier,” said Catania, who regular races at Irwindale and Orange Show.

Behind the two front runners were Broc Murphy and Havasu’s Connor Kassik who battled for position much of the race and finished third and fourth, respectively. Local Tim Gewecke was fifth.

Kassik took over the track points lead after two races as last week’s winner, Derek Frohlich did not race Gewecke moved up to second in points.

After a few early caution flags, eventual winner Fabozzi and second-place finisher Trent Kassik, of Lake Havasu City, settled into their positions and never relinquished them in the 20-lap Bandoleros feature. Shelby Orozco was third followed by Patrick Camburn.

The win pushed Fabozzi into the track points lead after two races. Camburn and Trent Kassik round out the top three.

Mike Harris led from the start and held off a challenge by Rob Rozhon on the final lap to win the 12-lap Factory Stocks race.

“It was a blast,” Harris said. “The car was handling great. I’ll be back out in two weeks and go fro the trophy dash and see what we can do.”