NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France will be stepping down from his position temporarily after being arrested on DUI and drug-possession charges Sunday evening in Sag Harbor, N.Y.
France was pulled over after his 2017 Lexus sped past a stop sign at 7:30 p.m., according to a press release. His blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit and police also found oxycodone pills during a search.
He has been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was held overnight before his arraignment Monday morning before being released on his own recognizance.
“I apologize to our fans, our industry and my family for the impact of my actions last night,” France said in a statement.
NASCAR later announced in a statement that France took an indefinite leave of absence and that, “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 Brian France’s uncle. Brian France is the grandson of NASCAR founder William H.G. France and son of longtime CEO Bill France Jr. He has been at the helm of NASCAR’s stock-car circuit since 2003, while his sister, Lesa France Kennedy, runs International Speedway Corp., a company that operates racetracks.
By: Maytinee Kramer
