NASCAR CEO taking indefinite leave of absence after DWI arrest

Brian France was arrested in the Hamptons in New York on Sunday.

August 6, 2018, 5:06 PM

NASCAR CEO Brian France said today he's taking a leave of absence after he was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of DWI.

"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," France said in a statement obtained by ABC News.

France, who was arrested in the Hamptons, also was found to be in possession of oxycodone, police said. He was driving a 2017 Lexus on Main Street in Sag Harbor around 7:30 p.m. when he ran a stop sign. Police said they suspected he was drunk after pulling him over.

PHOTO: In this file photo, CEO and Chairman of NASCAR Brian France speaks at the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Nov. 20, 2016, in Homestead, Fla.
In this file photo, CEO and Chairman of NASCAR Brian France speaks at the driver's meeting prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Nov. 20, 2016, in Homestead, Fla.
Sean Gardner/NASCAR via Getty Images, FILE

France was arrested and held overnight in jail on charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

PHOTO: In this file photo, Len Wood, Eddie Wood, Joie Chitwood, Trevor Bayne and Brian France near the beach course famous North Turn prior to Trevor Bayne driving the car to the Daytona International Speedway, Feb. 19, 2012, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
In this file photo, Len Wood, Eddie Wood, Joie Chitwood, Trevor Bayne and Brian France on the beach near the beach course famous North Turn prior to Trevor Bayne driving the car to the Daytona International Speedway, Feb. 19, 2012, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Nigel Kinrade/AP, FILE

France, CEO of NASCAR since 2003, was arraigned this morning and released on his own recognizance.

NASCAR said in a statement: "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."

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