NASCAR CEO Takes 'Indefinite Leave' After Sag Harbor DWI Charge

SAG HARBOR, NY — NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France is taking an "indefinite" leave after a Sag Harbor arrest after he was caught driving drunk with oxycodone in his vehicle Sunday night, according to police.

France issued a statement Monday announcing the news: “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 Monday: “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.”

France was arrested in Sag Harbor Sunday night after he was caught driving while intoxicated with oxycodone in his Lexus, police said.

According to Sag Harbor Village Police, France was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street and Wharf Street and charged with aggravated DWI and seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

France, 56, was seen driving a 2017 Lexus north on Main Street where he blew a stop sign, police said.

After a traffic stop, France was determined to be driving while intoxicated and a search of his person, due to lawful arrest, revealed that he was in possession of oxycodone pills, police said.

France was arrested, processed, and held overnight for morning arraignment at Sag Harbor Village Justice Court, where he was released on his own recognizance, police said.

A TMZ report also said that France was name-dropping at the time of his arrest, mentioning his relationship with President Donald Trump, but police could not immediately confirm that statement.

France has held his post with NASCAR since 2003.

Photo provided by Sag Harbor Village Police.