Just hours after breaking news was released that NASCAR CEO Brian France was arrested and charged with aggravated DUI and 7th-degree possession of a controlled substance – he has been forced to leave the organization…
Mug shot of the @NASCAR CEO Brian France who was arrested over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/fi3YoaMkTn
— Ryan Ruggiero (@RyanRuggiero) August 6, 2018
France, who is the grandson of NASCAR co-founder Bill France Sr., has been the head of this beloved motorsport for 15 years. Recently, rumors were swirling that the France family was looking to offload NASCAR through some sort of sale due to dwindling viewers and ticket sales.
Sources: France Family Not Selling Majority Stake In NASCAR; Will Seek Minority Investors –
– (Via @BizballMaury/@Forbes) pic.twitter.com/yaQlYPb7UA
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) June 27, 2018
Now, France is in hot water with New York police.
According to NBC Sports, France was arrested by Sag Harbor Village police at 7:30 p.m. Sunday night (August 5th, 2018). They charged him with two counts – possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, and aggravated driving under the influence.
#BREAKING Here is the official press release from the Sag Harbor, NY police department on the arrest of NASCAR CEO Brian France. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/JILGM60EOa
— Brett Baldeck (@BrettBaldeck) August 6, 2018
The posted police report states that France failed “to stop at a duly posted stop sign” and was pulled over. Upon approaching the vehicle and interacting with France, officers determined that he was operating the vehicle in an intoxicated condition.
Officers then decided to search France and discovered that he was in possession of prescription narcotics – oxycodone. They arrested him and held him overnight until he was arraigned this morning (Monday, August 6th.) Both charges are misdemeanors and carry both fines and possible jail sentences. There is no word on a sentencing date or what plea France entered during the arraignment.
Now, due to the immense backlash and problems stemming from this incident, France has stepped down from his role in NASCAR for an “indefinite” period – and NASCAR has chosen his replacement.
NEWS: Jim France assumes role of interim chairman and chief executive officer of NASCAR: https://t.co/gahRT986vb
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 6, 2018
“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,” Brian France said in the statement.
The massive organization and sport his family helped found has replaced France with Jim France, the sitting Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President.
Watch the full news report below and let us know what you think in the comments.