NASCAR CEO Brian France Arrested for DWI and Drug Possession in New York

SAG HARBOR, NY – RIS – NASCAR CEO was arrested for DWI and possession of Oxycodone on Sunday shortly after Chase Elliott won his first career Cup race.  According to Sag Harbor (New York) Police, France was pulled over after driving through a stop sign in the Hamptons at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET. Police found the oxycodone after a search when he was pulled over.

“Mr. France was observed operating a 2017 Lexus northbound on Main Street failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign,” a police release said. “Upon traffic stop, it was determined that Mr. France was operating said vehicle in an intoxicated condition.”

During the police stop, it is reported that France dropped the name of President
Donald Trump and other powerful people as friends.

Police said France was released at 9:30 a.m. Monday after arraignment. NASCAR announced Monday afternoon that France had taken a leave of absence from his role as NASCAR’s CEO and chairman.

“I apologize to our fans, our industry and my family for the impact of my actions last night,” France said. “Effective immediately, I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my position to focus on my personal affairs.”

His uncle Jim France will take over as the interim leader of NASCAR. Jim France and Lesa France Kennedy, Brian’s sister, are the majority owners of NASCAR. Jim France’s permanent role is as NASCAR’s Vice Chairman.

This is the second-known traffic incident with Brian France. He hit a tree in 2006, also while driving a Lexus, and a witness said he “fell over his own feet” after he got out of the car. France told Daytona Beach police that he hit the tree when he was taking a drink of a soda.