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NASCAR CEO Brian France Takes Indefinite Leave of Absence

After his arrest for a DUI and possession of a controlled substance on Sunday evening (Aug. 5), NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France has announced that he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his position.

In a statement from France, he says: “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 has also released a statement: “Brian France has taken an indefinite leave of absence from NASCAR as chairman and chief executive officer. Effective immediately, NASCAR Vice Chairman and Executive VP Jim France has assumed the role of interim chairman and chief executive officer.”

Jim France is the son of Bill France Sr., the founder of NASCAR in 1948, and the brother of Bill France Jr., president of NASCAR from 1972 until 2000. He was elected to the ISC board in 1970 and has served as the company’s secretary, assistant treasurer, vice president, chief operating officer, executive vice president, and president. He most recently is responsible for the merger between the GRAND-AM Series and the American Le Mans Series which took place in 2014, and now has served as NASCAR Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President.

No further statements have been released at this time.

About the author

Frontstretch.com

Brandon is a 22-year-old from NY and has been a passionate follower of motorsports for 14 years now. He recently graduated from Molloy College on Long Island with a BA in Communications. Working within NASCAR has been a dream for Brandon for a while, and he hopes to be able to live out the dream in the very near future.

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Mack

Suspended indefinitely due to NASCAR’s substance abuse policy. Brian France has been suspended indefinitely and docked 125 oxycodone pills. Brian will need to partake in NASCAR’s road to recovery program. NASCAR has informed Brian he will be reinstated to be absent from anything related to racing effective immediately.

tcfromaz

Thank goodness he did not hurt an innocent. I hope this is your bottom Mr. France. Will be interesting to see if NASCAR shares your “road to recovery”

rg72

Agreed it’s fortunate innocent people were not hurt in the incident.
That said, the downward spiral continues so who knows what this latest misstep costs people in the industry?

DoninAjax

So what can his replacement do to reverse the damge the Emperor has done? My guess is not much. Brian must have missed a lot of trees before he was stopped.

Bill B

Is anyone really surprised about this?

kb

Was his bubby Mike the Walrus with him?

salb

I guess during his rare public appearances when he appeared to be under the influence…he was. Bigger question is, will anyone notice when he’s on indefinite leave?

DoninAjax

At least the stupid changes should stop.

Matty

Brian updated his profile picture last night. C’mon is anyone surprised about this?

David Edwards

So what does the family do now? I suspect it will be handled similarly to the 1-800-Bone Marrow of years ago .But perhaps I’m wrong.

Funky D

For the good of what’s left of NASCAR, let’s hope his leave of absence is permanent!