Grand-Am Driver Reinstated after Daytona Beach DUI Charges Dropped
By Jim Greene
Published on May 17, 2010
Grand-Am Road Racing driver J.C. France, grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr., was reinstated last month for the Rolex Series after a five-month suspension resulting from his arrest by Daytona Beach police for driving under the influence (DUI) and narcotics possession. The reinstatement came after prosecutors dropped the charges against France.
Daytona Beach police reported that they followed France and his half-brother Russell Van Richmond after seeing them racing on public streets. Van Richmond was stopped by one officer in Daytona Beach; France by another, after crossing into nearby Holly Hill.
Judge Rules Arresting Officer Outside Jurisdiction
Circuit Judge Patrick Kennedy said the officer who cited France for running a red light in Holly Hill was outside his jurisdiction. The judge ordered evidence against France thrown out, and prosecutors dropped the charges. Van Richmond received six months' probation on DUI charges.
Before France, son of NASCAR vice chairman Jim France, could receive a Grand-Am competitor's license, he had to complete a rehabilitation program and undergo drug testing, under the supervision of forensic toxicologist Dr. David Black, owner of Aegis Sciences. Black and his company consult for NASCAR, owner of Grand-Am, as well as for Major League Baseball, World Wrestling Entertainment, and other organizations on substance abuse issues.
Grand-Am Has No Substance Abuse Policy
Kevin Hinson, a Grand-Am vice president, said his organization does not have a specific policy concerning substance abuse, as does NASCAR. He said the subject is covered by Grand-Am policies concerning "conduct unbecoming of a competitor," and that he does not expect that situation to change.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, contact an experienced attorney. As in the case of J.C. France, you may have just cause to challenge the arrest and avoid prosecution. Your attorney will fight for your rights as a defendant, and, if you are convicted, fight to ensure that your punishment is just.
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