NASCAR CEO Brian France Busted for DUI & Oxycodone Don't You Know Who I Am?! 
 
 NASCAR CEO Brian France Arrested for DUI and Oxycodone 
 
 EXCLUSIVE 
 
 9:54 AM PT -- NASCAR has issued a statement to TMZ Sports saying ... "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.” 
 
 Brian France -- the CEO and Chairman of NASCAR -- was arrested for DUI on Sunday evening in The Hamptons and cops say he was also in possession of oxycodone .. TMZ Sports has learned. 
 
 The 56-year-old -- one of the most powerful people in professional sports -- was initially stopped in Sag Harbor, NY while driving a 2017 Lexus. Cops say he blew through a stop sign at 7:30 PM. 
 
 During the stop, we're told officers suspected France was intoxicated and conducted a field sobriety test ... which France bombed. 
 
 We're told France's blood alcohol level was more than TWICE the legal limit. Cops say during the stop, they found oxycodone pills during a search of his person. 
 
 France was arrested and hauled to a nearby station where he was booked for DUI and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. France spent the night in jail and was released Monday morning after his arraignment. 
 
 And sources tell us ... during the process, France was name-dropping all of the powerful people he knew and even mentioned his relationship with President Donald Trump. 
 
 The France family is racing royalty -- Brian's grandfather Bill France Sr. (aka Big Bill) founded NASCAR back in 1948 and ran the organization. Brian's father took over the role from 1972 to 2000. 
 
 Brian has been CEO since 2003. 
 
 Sag Harbor is one of the most exclusive communities in the Hamptons -- where stars like Billy Joel have homes. 
 
 And, as one local puts it, "It's so stupid to drive drunk in the Hamptons. They have police checkpoints everywhere and police are always looking for drunk drivers." 
 
 Story developing ... 

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 Brian France faces DUI and drug-possession charges in New York. (Chuck Burton/AP) 
 
 NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France was arrested on DUI and drug-possession charges Sunday evening in Sag Harbor, N.Y., the police department there announced Monday. France was pulled over after his 2017 Lexus went through a stop sign at 7:30 p.m. local time, according to a press release from the department. His blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, TMZ Sports reported. Police also found oxycodone pills during a search, according to the announcement. 
 
 France, who turned 56 on Thursday, has been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated — which in New York means his BAC was above 0.18 — and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was held overnight before his arraignment Monday morning, after which he was released on his own recognizance. 
 
 “We are aware of an incident that occurred last night and are in the process of gathering information,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We take this as a serious matter and will issue a statement after we have all of the facts.” 
 
 Here’s his mug shot, via Aaron Katersky of ABC News: 
 
 NASCAR said "We take this as a serious matter" after chief executive Brian France was arrested for drunk driving, possession of oxycodone pic.twitter.com/nJBWQc52SG — Aaron Katersky (@AaronKatersky) August 6, 2018 
 
 Later Monday, NASCAR announced in a statement that France has taken an indefinite leave of absence and that, “effective immediately, NASCAR Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Jim France has assumed the role of interim chairman and chief executive officer.” 
 
 Jim France is Brian France’s uncle. 
 
 NASCAR’s Road to Recovery drug-testing program mandates that random drivers, crew members and officials are tested at each week’s racetrack, with positive findings leading to suspensions. It’s unclear whether that program applies to NASCAR executives. 
 
 France and his wife live in Manhattan, according to a 2016 Hamptons Sheet story, but spend time in the Hamptons when their schedule allows. The grandson of NASCAR founder William H.G. France and son of longtime CEO Bill France Jr., Brian France has been at the helm of NASCAR’s stock-car circuit since 2003, during which its fortunes have risen and then fallen. In a 2009 book called “Dirt Under the Asphalt,” longtime NASCAR writer Jack Flowers alleged that France had undergone treatment for substance abuse at the Betty Ford Center in California and also had been arrested on drug-possession charges in South Carolina before he ascended to his current role. France denied the allegations when asked about them in 2013 by ESPN’s Ed Hinton. 
 
 “To this day, that still shows up, and I have no idea — obviously I’ve never been to Betty Ford,” France said. “There have been times where I probably apparently have needed to be. I’m kidding around on that, obviously. All of it is tongue-in-cheek. But I have no idea where he could have — he just made it up. You know? I don’t know what to tell you. 
 
 “I’m not going to say I never inhaled, going back into my teenage days,” he continued. “But I have never checked into [a rehab clinic], or needed to, and have not had those issues.” 
 
 France drew scrutiny for his odd behavior at the NASCAR Cup Series Awards ceremony last December in Las Vegas. At one point, he abruptly walked off the stage without a handshake after presenting the NASCAR Cup championship ring to Martin Truex Jr. 
 
 Remember when I said yesterday that NASCAR executives fail at being authentic? 
 
 
 
 Well, here’s Brian France proving my point last night at the Cup Awards banquet. What the hell. pic.twitter.com/dGmZS6yiTD — Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) December 1, 2017 
 
 Read more from The Post: 
 
 ‘Keep pushing through’: Brian Dawkins gave a powerful Hall of Fame speech about depression 
 
 ‘Save Urban Meyer’: Ohio State fans show support for coach with a petition and a planned rally 
 
 ‘Poppycock’: Angels’ Mike Scioscia dismisses reports that he’ll step down after the season 
 
 Alabama QB Jalen Hurts vents his frustration, but Nick Saban is unswayed 
 
 ‘Poppycock’: Angels’ Mike Scioscia dismisses reports that he’ll step down after season 
 
 When Trump attacked LeBron James, it had an unintended effect: Other athletes speaking out 

 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. 
 
 Sag Harbor Village Police Department 
 
 "Upon search of his person, due to a lawful arrest, Mr. France was in possession of oxycodone pills." 
 
 Aggravated driving while intoxicated in New York is when someone registers a blood alcohol content of 0.18 percent or higher. The drug possession charge is a misdemeanor. 
 
 No other information was immediately available. TMZ first reported the arrest of France in the Hamptons. 
 
 "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. 
 
 France, 56, is the grandson of NASCAR founder William H.G. France and son of Bill France Jr. 
 
 He has held the position of chairman and CEO of NASCAR since 2003. His sister, Lesa France Kennedy, runs the family's publicly traded track-operating company, International Speedway Corp. 
 
 Jim France -- brother of Bill France Jr. -- and Lesa France Kennedy are believed to own the majority stake in NASCAR, according to public documents, but the family does not comment on its ownership structure. 
 
 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. 

 Driving while intoxicated is a crime. Your judgment, coordination and ability to drive a vehicle change when you consume any amount of alcohol. The level of impairment depends on five conditions 
 
 the amount of alcohol you drink 
 
 the amount of food you eat before or while you drink alcohol 
 
 the length of time you drink alcohol 
 
 your body weight 
 
 your gender 
 
 There is no quick method to become sober. The best method is to wait until your body absorbs the alcohol. The average rate that your body processes alcohol is approximately one drink per hour. 
 
 
 
 Types of alcohol and drug-related violations in New York State 
 
 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) 
 
 .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or higher or other evidence of intoxication. For drivers of commercial motor vehicles: .04 BAC or other evidence of intoxication. 
 
 .08 Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) or higher or other evidence of intoxication. For drivers of commercial motor vehicles: .04 BAC or other evidence of intoxication. Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Aggravated DWI) 
 
 .18 BAC or higher 
 
 .18 BAC or higher Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI/Alcohol) 
 
 More than .05 BAC but less than .07 BAC, or other evidence of impairment. 
 
 More than .05 BAC but less than .07 BAC, or other evidence of impairment. Driving While Ability Impaired by a Single Drug other than Alcohol (DWAI/Drug) 
 
 Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combined Influence of Drugs or Alcohol (DWAI/Combination) 
 
 Chemical Test Refusal 
 
 A driver who refuses to take a chemical test (normally a test of breath, blood or urine). 
 
 A driver who refuses to take a chemical test (normally a test of breath, blood or urine). Zero Tolerance Law 
 
 A driver who is less than 21 years of age and who drives with a .02 BAC to .07 BAC violates the Zero Tolerance Law. 
 
 In New York State, the penalties for an alcohol or drug-related violation include the loss of driving privileges, fines, and a possible jail term. 
 
 Penalties for alcohol or drug-related violations Violation Mandatory Fine Maximum Jail Term Mandatory Driver License Action Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (AGG DWI) $1,000 - $2,500 1 year Revoked for at least one year Second AGG DWI in 10 years (E felony) $1,000 - $5,000 4 years Revoked for at least 18 months Third AGG DWI in 10 years (D felony) $2,000 - $10,000 7 years Revoked for at least 18 months Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Impaired by a Drug (DWAI-Drug) $500 - $1,000 1 year DWI - Revoked for at least six months 
 
 DWAI-Drugs - Suspended for at least six months Second DWI or DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years (E felony) $1,000 - $5,000 4 years Revoked for at least one year Third DWI or DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years (D felony) $2,000 - $10,000 7 years Revoked for at least one year Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Alcohol/Drugs (DWAI-Combination) $500 - $1,000 1 year Revoked for at least six months Second DWAI-Combination in 10 years (E felony) $1,000 - $5,000 4 years Revoked for at least one year Third DWAI-Combination in 10 years (D felony) $2,000 - $10,000 7 years Revoked for at least one year Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI) $300 - $500 15 days Suspended for 90 days Second DWAI violation in 5 years $500 - $750 30 days Revoked for at least six months Third or subsequent DWAI within 10 years (Misdemeanor) $750 - $1,500 180 days Revoked for at least six months Zero Tolerance Law $125 civil penalty and $100 fee to terminate suspension None Suspended for six months Second Zero Tolerance Law $125 civil penalty and $100 re-application fee None Revoked for one year or until age 21 Chemical Test Refusal $500 civil penalty ($550 for commercial drivers) None Revoked for at least one year, 18 months for commercial drivers. Chemical Test Refusal within five years of a previous DWI-related charge/Chemical Test Refusal $750 civil penalty None Revoked for at least 18 months, one-year or until age 21 for drivers under age 21, permanent CDL revocation for commercial drivers. Chemical Test Refusal - 
 
 Zero Tolerance Law $300 civil penalty and $100 re-application fee None Revoked for at least one year. Chemical Test Refusal - 
 
 Second or subsequent Zero Tolerance Law $750 civil penalty and $100 re-application fee None Revoked for at least one year. Driving Under the Influence (Out-of-State) N/A N/A Revoked for at least 90 days. If less than 21 years of age, revoked at least one year. Driving Under the Influence (Out-of State) with any previous alcohol-drug violation N/A N/A Revoked for at least 90 days (longer term with certain prior offenses). If less than 21 years of age, revoked at least one year or until age 21 (longest term). 
 
 Additional penalties 
 
 greater penalties can also apply for multiple alcohol or drug violations within a 25-year period 
 
 
 
 
 
 surcharges are added to alcohol-related misdemeanors ($260) and felonies (generally $400, but varies slightly depending on court of conviction) 
 
 
 
 
 
 three or more alcohol or drug-related convictions or refusals within 10 years can result in permanent revocation, with a waiver request permitted after at least 5 years 
 
 
 
 
 
 a driver with an Aggravated DWI violation conviction within the prior 10 years will receive a minimum 18-month revocation if convicted of DWI, DWAI/Drugs or DWAI/Combination. Also, a driver with a prior DWI, Aggravated DWI, DWAI/Drugs or DWAI/Combination with the prior 10 years will receive a minimum 18-month revocation 
 
 
 
 
 
 a driver convicted of an Aggravated DWI, DWI, DWAI/Drug, DWAI/combination, vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular assault, or vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide three or more times in the preceding 15 year period is guilty of a Class D felony 
 
 
 
 For more information, see You and the Drinking Driving Laws.
– NASCAR CEO and chairman Brian France spent Monday morning being arraigned in the Hamptons after being pulled over Sunday night in Sag Harbor Village and allegedly found to be under the influence and in possession of oxycodone pills. ESPN reports he was charged with aggravated DWI and criminal possession, and cites a news release from the local police department that says he was driving a 2017 Lexus on Main Street when police allegedly observed him "failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign." After being "lawful[ly] arrested," a search of his person turned up the pills, per the release. TMZ first reported the arrest of the 56-year-old, whom it refers to as "one of the most powerful people in professional sports." It reports via sources that France's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, and similarly relies on unnamed sources to claim France referenced the powerful friends he had, allegedly even mentioning the president, during the incident. The Washington Post suggests TMZ's BAC report is true, in that under New York state law, a DWI charge applies to BAC of .08 or higher, and Aggravated DWI applies to BAC of 0.18 or higher; France was charged with the latter.