NASCAR: Brian France arrested on DWI, possession of controlled substance

NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France was arrested on DWI and possession of controlled substance charges on Sunday night in New York.

NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France was arrested on charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance on Sunday night in Sag Harbor on Long Island, New York shortly after the conclusion of the Go Bowling at The Glen in a more western part of the state at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York.

France was reportedly driving a 2017 Lexus on Sag Harbor Village’s Main Street at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday night when he ran a stop sign. At a traffic stop, it was discovered that the 56-year-old was driving his vehicle while intoxicated, and it was discovered that he was in possession of oxycodone pills. Oxycodone is a popular pain-killer.

Here is what the Sag Harbor Village Police Department’s news release had to say about the matter, according to ESPN.

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"“Mr. France was observed operating a 2017 Lexus northbound on Main Street failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign. 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’s blood alcohol content was above 0.18, as that is what constitutes aggravated driving while intoxicated in the state of New York. The possession of a controlled substance charge against France, the grandson of NASCAR founder William H.G. France and the son of Bill France Jr. who has been the NASCAR chairman and CEO since 2003, is considered a misdemeanor.

Here is what NASCAR had to say about the matter upon finding out about it, according to ESPN.

"“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.”"

France was reportedly released on his own recognizance at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court after being held overnight and arraigned at the court on Monday morning.

France revealed that he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence as a result of this arrest. Here is what he had to say about the matter, according to CNN.

"“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.”"

Vice chairman and executive vice president Jim France, the son of William H.G. France and uncle of Brian France, has assumed the role of interim chairman and CEO of NASCAR. Here is what NASCAR had to say about the matter, according to NASCAR.com.

"“Brian France has taken an indefinite leave of absence from NASCAR as chairman and chief executive officer. Effective immediately, NASCAR Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Jim France has assumed the role of interim chairman and chief executive officer.”"

What does Brian France’s arrest mean for the future of NASCAR? Will he be forced to permanently step down as NASCAR’s chairman and CEO? Will he make the decision to do so?