NASCAR CEO Brian France Arrested in New York: Reports

NASCAR CEO and chairman Brian France was arrested for a DUI on Aug. 5. Officials said he was found to be in possession of oxycodone. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

NASCAR CEO and chairman Brian France was arrested on Aug. 5 for a DUI, and officials added that he was found to be in possession of oxycodone.

TMZ reported that France, 56, was stopped in Sag Harbor, New York, while driving a late-model Lexus. Police in the town said he ran through a stop light at 7:30 p.m. local time.

Officers suspected he was intoxicated and carried out a field sobriety test, and France allegedly failed.

“Mr. France was observed operating a 2017 Lexus northbound on Main Street failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign,” a news release from Sag Harbor police said. “Upon traffic stop, it was determined that Mr. France was operating said vehicle in an intoxicated condition.”

It added: “Upon search of his person, due to a lawful arrest, Mr. France was in possession of oxycodone pills.”

According to the news release, he was held overnight and arraigned on Aug. 6 at the ag Harbor Village Justice Court. He was then released on his own recognizance.

NASCAR, in a statement, told the website: “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,” the firm stated.

France, 56, is the grandson of NASCAR founder William H.G. France. He took the CEO position in 2003, ESPN noted.

Sag Harbor is a village within the towns of East Hampton and Southampton in Suffolk County, New York.