NASCAR Reinstatement Outrages Race Fans

A family member of NASCAR 'royalty" was reinstated by the Grand-Am series after traffic and drug charges against him were dropped due to a "jurisdictional technicality." What was observed and found is the following: Street racing, running a red light, swerving (okay, reckless driving), DUI and cocaine possession.

J.C. France is the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France. He is a race car driver in the NASCAR owned Grand-Am Road Racing series, best known for the 24 Hours of Daytona. His father founded the Grand-Am series. Early on October 8th, 2009 he was observed racing his 2007 Lamborghini against a Porsche Cayenne that is owned by his roommate, also "connected" with NASCAR and had similar charges. I wonder what they would have found at the home they share?

France is quoted as saying the following at the scene to an officer: "No, this is a mistake for you. I'm a France, we own this city." A real class act and an ambassador for the sport. Unfortunately, this statement seems to ring true.

Whether jurisdictional or not, there is no denying the guilt of J.C. France and his stupidity. And just as bad, the sanctioning body just turned the other cheek after making an example of another driver. The next day, NASCAR issued this statement, "Grand-Am has issued a penalty notice and suspended JC indefinitely from all competition for actions detrimental to racing. The penalty is not appealable. JC is being treated like any other competitor. His suspension is immediate and indefinite." Yeah, until charges are dropped. What a joke.

Drugs are not funny, cool or an edgy lifestyle for the rich. Financing mass murder, assassinations and terrorism is totally unacceptable. This is a slap in the face of law abiding race car drivers, citizens and honest law enforcement officers and the judicial system.

A real shame because the Grand-Am series is a legitimate and interesting road racing series with excellent manufacturer participation. The teams and members that race deserve recognition. The owners simply deserve scorn.

Check out the comments on Autoweekracing.com in the Grand-Am section.

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