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          Brian France taking indefinite leave of absence from NASCAR following arrest

          • Jayski.com Staff
          Aug 6, 2018, 09:03 PM

          UPDATE: Statement from Brian France: "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."

          Statement from NASCAR: "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."

          Original information: 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.

          No other information was immediately available. TMZ first reported the arrest of France in the Hamptons.

          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.

          --- ESPN.com

          Statement from NASCAR: "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.

          Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern hears rumblings France could be forced out:

          Journalist Michael Knight throws out some names of possible replacements for France, at least on an interim basis: