Brian France Gets Busted, Steps Down from NASCAR
Drug abuse is everywhere and no one is immune. Not even Brian France, CEO of NASCAR. The third generation NASCAR leader was arrested on Long Island, NY for driving while intoxicated (DWI) during a routine traffic stop in Sag Harbor Sunday night.
After blowing through a stop sign, France was subject to a field sobriety test, which he failed. He was later searched, according to TMZ Sports, with the controlled substance (7th degree) oxycodone found on his person.
France’s high blood alcohol content, combined with the presence of this controlled substance, resulted in his arrest. He was processed, held overnight, arraigned at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court on Monday and released on his own recognizance.
Brian France has been the CEO and chairman of NASCAR since 2003; his uncle Jim France is taking over the company’s helm as he deals with the arrest and, hopefully, with the treatment Brian France needs.
France’s legal issues could be multi-faceted. Certainly he will face fines, and with the dual issues of this arrest he could face jail time as well. Certainly his ability to drive the 2017 Lexus he was operating at the time of his arrest will be curtailed; he could easily lose his license in New York.
France’s statement released late Monday afternoon said, “I apologize to our fans, our industry and my family for the impact of my actions last night. Effective immediately, I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my position, to focus on my personal affairs.”
NASCAR confirmed, “Brian France has taken an indefinite leave of absence from NASCAR as chairman and chief executive officer. Effective immediately, NASCAR Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Jim France has assumed the role of interim chairman and chief executive officer.”
Jim France is familiar with alcohol and drug problems as his own son, J.C. France, went through similar issues several years ago.