Brian France, former NASCAR Chairman and CEO, pleaded guilty Friday to driving while intoxicated. The plea stems from an arrest in New York last year.
In exchange for the guilty plea, France's DWI charge was reduced from misdemeanor to non-criminal infraction. He will be required to perform 100 hours of community serivice and continue counseling.
"I am grateful for the court's consideration of all the facts in this case and I will follow their direction and recommendations as we move forward," France said. "While I made a mistake, this event has also given me the opportunity to reflect on my poor judgment that day, my family and my greater responsibilities to our community. I have learned valuable lessons and will be a better person because of this process.”
France was arrested Aug. 5, 2018, after rolling past a stop sign. He performed poorly on field sobriety tests and a blood alcohol screen showed France's blood-alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle. Five oxycodone pills also were found in his possession but he was later able to provide a valid prescription for the oxycodone.
Jim France, Brian France's uncle, assumed the role of NASCAR Chairman and CEO on an interim basis upon Brian France's arrest. Jim France became permanent NASCAR Chairman and CEO prior to the start ot he 2019 season.