UPDATE: Statement from Brian France: “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.”
Statement from NASCAR: “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.”
Original information: NASCAR CEO and chairman Brian France was arrested on charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to a Sag Harbor Village (New York) Police Department news release.
According to the news release, 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.
No other information was immediately available. TMZ first reported the arrest of France in the Hamptons.
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.
— ESPN.com
Statement from NASCAR: “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.
Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern hears rumblings France could be forced out:
After his arrest last night for alleged DUI, there are rumblings from people within the France family companies today over the possibility that @NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France could be forced to step down in the near future. pic.twitter.com/wgSIpCeqMp
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) August 6, 2018
Journalist Michael Knight throws out some names of possible replacements for France, at least on an interim basis:
If Brian France is suspended or takes a leave of absence, 4 most likely to serve as interim CEO (in random order): @nascar Vice Chairman Mike Helton; President @brentdewar ; @ISCupdates President John Saunders; COO Joie Chitwood III.
— Michael Knight (@SpinDoctor500) August 6, 2018
If @nascar Board decides to replace Brian France, top candidates for new CEO would be the 4 I listed earlier as interim possibilities. If they op for permanent replacement, other than those 4, candidates could come from within ISC track presidents. Or, my dark horse is @JayRFrye
— Michael Knight (@SpinDoctor500) August 6, 2018
UPDATED MONDAY 3 p.m. EDT: Industry source says another candidate could be current @nascar COO @stevephelps , whose role has increased from marketing and sales. Source says Helton would likely only be considered for interim role as he has reduced responsibilities in recent years.
— Michael Knight (@SpinDoctor500) August 6, 2018