NASCAR CEO Brian France will take an “indefinite leave of absence” following his arrest on Sunday, the organization said Monday.
He will be replaced on an interim basis by his uncle, Jim France, vice chairman and executive vice president.
NEWS: Jim France assumes role of interim chairman and chief executive officer of NASCAR: https://t.co/gahRT986vb
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 6, 2018
France was stopped by police in Sag Harbor, New York, after running a stop sign Sunday evening. According to TMZ Sports, which first reported news of his arrest, France’s blood alcohol was twice the legal limit. Sag Harbor police said in a statement that oxycodone pills were also discovered in his possession.
The police department said France has been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
“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,” NASCAR said in a statement earlier on Monday.
“I apologize to our fans, our industry and my family for the impact of my actions last night,” France said in his own statement, adding that he would be taking time to “focus on my personal affairs.”
France, grandson of NASCAR founder William H.G. France, has served as chairman and CEO of the organization since 2003.
#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