By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a rally in Charlotte, N.C. Friday night, President Donald J. Trump, made mention of Brian France and his future in NASCAR as he addressed a packed audience at the Bojangles Coliseum.
“We love – you know what I am talking about – the France family and Brian France. We love you, Brian. Get in there Brian,” Trump said at the rally.
In recent years, France has been an active supporter of Trump. On February 29, 2016, France joined Chase and Bill Elliott, Ryan Newman, and David Ragan at a rally in Valdosta, Georgia to endorse then candidate Trump.
In August, France was arrested in Sag Harbor Village, N.Y. for aggravated driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance. That controlled substance was oxycodone (five pills) and registered a blood alcohol content of 0.18, according to court records.
News reports inaccurately stated France began name dropping – including his friendship with President Trump – after his arrest but Kickin’ the Tires confirmed with Sag Harbor’s police chief, A.J. McGuire those reports were untrue.
McGuire said France was a “gentleman” and complied with the officer’s commands Sunday night after being pulled over for running the stop sign where Main Street and Wharf Street connect in the town of about two square miles.
“Yeah, that is absolutely false,” McGuire said, while sitting behind his desk on the second floor of the police department. “None of that ever happened.”
Since the arrest Brian France’s uncle, Jim France, has served as the interim chairman and chief executive officer of NASCAR. In recent weeks, it has been unclear if and when Brian France could or would return to his role within the sport.
As the crowd cheered, President Trump said Brian was going to be in “great shape.”
“Brian is going to be in great shape. Brian is a tough winner,” Trump said. “That whole France family, they are pretty good. That’s like owning the entire NFL, you know that right? What a great thing. We love NASCAR. We love the drivers.”
A NASCAR spokesperson declined comment.