Former NASCAR head Brian France pleads guilty to DWI

Former NASCAR CEO and chairman Brian France has pled guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated in a Suffolk County, New York courthouse on Friday.

The 56-year-old must serve 100 hours of community service and receive alcohol counseling before his sentencing date of June 5, 2020. If he completes both, he can withdraw his plea, and his charge will be lowered to a traffic violation.

If he fails to fulfill his duties, he will be sentenced on the misdemeanor conviction.

“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 in a statement.

“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 on the evening of August 5, 2018, when he ran a stop sign driving northbound on Main Street in Sag Harbor, New York. His blood alcohol level was .18 percent and had glassy, bloodshot eyes along with slurred speech.

His position at NASCAR was filled by his uncle Jim France, who has since permanently taken over the role.