A grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France was arrested early on Thursday on drug charges in Daytona Beach, according to a police report.
J.C. France faces charges of possession of narcotics and driving under the influence. France posted US$4,500 bond and was released from Volusia County jail on Thursday afternoon.
France, 43, was driving a 2007 green Lamborghini when he was stopped shortly after midnight. Authorities believe he was racing his half-brother, 40-year-old Russell Van Richmond.
France failed to stop at a traffic light and swerved on the roadway before coming to a stop in a parking lot.
Richmond, who was driving a 2003 Porsche when he was stopped, reportedly threatened the officer during the arrest.
“No, this is a mistake for you,” he told the officer, the report said. “I’m a France, we own this city.”
Authorities continued with the investigation, and Richmond called for their commanding officers.
“You’re done,” he reportedly told an officer. “Your job is over. This is the biggest mistake ever and you’re so done in Daytona.”
While conducting a search during the traffic stop, authorities found containers allegedly containing an illegal substance. The substances gave a presumptive positive reactions for cocaine when they were tested.
Richmond faces two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence and two counts of threatening a police officer. He posted US$10,500 bond and was released from custody on Thursday.
France is the son of NASCAR board member Jim France and a driver in NASCAR’s Grand-Am Series. Richmond is the son of Jim France’s ex-wife.
The two share a home in Daytona Beach, the police report said. A telephone number listed for Richmond rang unanswered on Thursday evening. A man who answered the phone at a number listed for France said he was not available.
NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston released a statement saying France has been suspended from all competition.
“Grand-Am has issued a penalty notice and suspended J.C. indefinitely from all competition for actions detrimental to racing,” Poston said in the statement.
“The penalty is not appealable. J.C. is being treated like any other competitor. His suspension is immediate and indefinite,” he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely