NASCAR CEO France pleads not guilty to DWI

Brian France has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, according to a report by TMZ.

France, who is on an indefinite leave of absence from his role as NASCAR chairman and CEO, had the plea entered Friday in Sag Harbor (N.Y.) Justice Court.

The 56-year-old France was stopped by police at 7:08 p.m. Aug. 5 after he blew through a stop sign. The charging documents state that his breath smelled of an intoxicating beverage, his speech was slurred, his eyes were red and he was unsteady on his feet. His breath was tested, and he showed a 0.18 percent blood alcohol content. He also had five yellow pills that were determined to be oxycodone in his possession, according to the charging documents.

France’s next court date is Oct. 5, according to TMZ.

France’s uncle Jim has taken over as interim CEO in Brian France’s absence.