Brian France is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his position as NASCAR chairman and CEO following his Sunday night arrest in the Hamptons for aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree.
France was arrested on Aug. 5 in Sag Harbor, New York after failing to stop at a stop sign.
When pulled over in his 2017 Lexus it was “determined that Mr. France was operating said vehicle in an intoxicated condition. Upon search of his person due to a lawful arrest Mr. France was in possession of oxycodone pills.”
France, 56, was released on his own recognizance shortly after 9:30 a.m. Monday morning after his arraignment in the Harbor Village Justice Court. His next scheduled court date is Fri., Sept. 14.
Sag Harbor Village is on Long Island, New York, approximately 355 miles east of Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, site of Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race which saw Chase Elliott win his first career Cup Series race.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, France 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.”
France has been the NASCAR chairman and CEO since 2003, taking over leadership of the stock car empire from his father, Bill France Jr.
NASCAR concurrently announced effective immediately, Jim France – Brian’s uncle will serve as the interim chairman and CEO of NASCAR. Before Monday’s announcement, Jim France holds the role as NASCAR vice chairman and executive vice president.
Jim France, 73, is the youngest son of Bill France Sr. and the younger brother of Bill France Jr., the former president, chairman and CEO of NASCAR, making him Brian’s uncle. Jim has served in several capacities across NASCAR, International Speedway Corp. and IMSA.
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