Brian France, the current chairman and CEO of NASCAR, was arrested on Sunday night by the Sag Harbor Village [located on Long Island in New York] police department for driving while intoxicated and for being in criminal possession of a controlled substance – oxycodone pills.
According to a news release issued by the police department, France was arrested at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, held overnight and arraigned Monday morning at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court, where he was released on his own recognizance.
“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. Upon search of his person, due to a lawful arrest, Mr. France was in possession of oxycodone pills.”
France, 56, is the grandson of NASCAR founder William H.G. France and son of Bill France Jr. and has held the position of chairman and CEO of NASCAR since 2003 although his uncle, Jim France, along with his sister, Lesa France Kennedy are believed to own the majority stake in NASCAR, according to public documents.
Under NASCAR’s substance abuse policy, Brian France could be suspended and required to go through a recovery program, or he could be subjected to drug testing.