Former NASCAR CEO Pleads Guilty To DWI

SAG HARBOR, NY — The former CEO of NASCAR pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in Sag Harbor in August 2018, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini.

Brian France, 56, of Ormond Beach, FL, pleaded guilty Friday to driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, Sini said.

“This case is a reminder for both residents and anyone visiting Suffolk County this summer that it is all of our responsibility to keep our roads safe,” Sini said. “It is not acceptable for anyone to be driving while drunk or on drugs in our community.”

At 7:08 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2018, France was driving a white 2017 Lexus sedan northbound on Main Street in Sag Harbor when he was observed failing to stop at a stop sign by a Sag Harbor Village Police officer, Sini said.

The officer initiated a traffic stop and observed that France had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, had slurred speech, had watery, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and was unsteady on his feet, Sini said.

France was arrested and given a breath test, which revealed his blood alcohol level to be .18 percent, Sini said.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, France is required to complete 100 hours of community service and undergo alcohol counseling before his sentencing date, Sini said.

If he successfully complies with the requirements, France will be able to withdraw his plea of guilty and the charge will be reduced to a traffic violation of driving while ability impaired, Sini said.

If he is unsuccessful, he will be sentenced on the misdemeanor conviction, Sini said.

France is scheduled to be sentenced in Sag Harbor Village Justice Court on June 5, 2020, Sini said.

According to a post in USA Today, France made a statement: "I am grateful for the court's consideration of all the facts in this case and I will follow their direction and recommendations as we move forward," he said. "While I made a mistake, this event has also given me the opportunity to reflect on my poor judgment that day, my family and my greater responsibilities to our community. I have learned valuable lessons and will be a better person because of this process."

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jamie Greenwood, of the East End Bureau, Sini said.

According to Sag Harbor Village Police, at the time of France's arrest, he was also found with oxycodone and was initially charged with aggravated DWI and seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

France, who had held his post with NASCAR since 2003, took an "indefinite" leave and issued a statement last year after the arrest: "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."

NASCAR also issued a statement last year: "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."