NKyTribune staff
NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France will take an indefinite leave of absence following his arrest in New York Sunday evening.
France was arrested in the Hamptons for aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance (oxycodone).
France (provided photo)
France, 56, was arrested at 7:30 p.m. He was arraigned Monday and released.
Information regarding the arrest was obtained from a Sag Harbor Village Police Department news release.
“Mr. France was observed operating a 2017 Lexus northbound on Main Street failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign,” the news release said. “Upon traffic stop, it was determined that Mr. France was operating said vehicle in an intoxicated condition.”
Aggravated driving while intoxicated in the juridiction requires someone operating a motor vehicle to register a blood-alcohol content of 0.18 or higher.
France issued the following statement Monday:
“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 announced Monday that Jim France will assume the role of interim chairman and CEO.
“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.”
France has been chairman and CEO of NASCAR since 2003.
