NASCAR chairman, CEO France arrested for DUI, possession of controlled substance

NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France was arrested Sunday night in New York for aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree.

The Sag Harbor Village (N.Y.) Police Department said in a press release that the 56-year-old France was arrested at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. France, driving a 2017 Lexus, failed to stop at a stop sign and when pulled over 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 was released on his own recognizance at 9:30 a.m. Monday morning after his arraignment in the Harbor Village Justice Court.

In a statement released Monday, NASCAR said: “We are aware of an incident that occurred last night and are in the process of gathering information. We take this as a serious matter and will issue a statement after we have all of the facts.”

Brian France became NASCAR's chairman and CEO in September 2003, assuming leadership of the organization from his father, the late William C. France. He is the grandson of NASCAR’s founder, the late William H.G. France.