Brian France, NASCAR chairman, was arrested in New York on August 5, 2018 for DUI and criminal possession of oxycodone. The NASCAR CEO had a BAC (blood alcohol content) that was more than twice the legal limit under New York law. According to the arresting officers, France ran a stop sign, reeked of alcohol, and slurred his speech. Police state that he struggled through the field sobriety tests. The legal limit in New York is 0.08% BAC, and France’s was 0.18%. Next, officers found oxycodone pills.

The driving while intoxicated arrest happened in the Hamptons. According to the Sag Harbor Village Police Department, officers arrested the NASCAR leader for aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance. The officers observed French was operating his vehicle in an intoxicated condition after pulling him over for failure to stop at a stop sign. Next, a search of his person resulted in possession of oxycodone.

In a statement, France apologized to fans and the NASCAR industry, and announced he would be taking a leave of absence from his position. France has acted as NASCAR’s CEO since 2003. After spending the night in jail, France was arraigned at Sag Harbor Village Justice Court. France’s grandfather, Bill France Sr. founded the NASCAR company in 1948, and Brian France is the third-generation head of NASCAR. A report issued from ESPN stated that France may be required to go through drug testing, suspension, and/or a recovery program.