http://jacksonville.com/sports/racing/2009-10-10/story/legendary_driver_takes_jc_frances_spot_on_brumos_p orsche_team
Legendary sports car driver Hurley Haywood will replace J.C. France in one of the Brumos Porsches today for the Grand American season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The change came after France, the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France and cousin of NASCAR chairman Brian France, was arrested Thursday on drug charges. J.C. France was immediately suspended by NASCAR, which oversees Grand-Am.
"We don't know any more details than what we've read," Haywood said. "As far as we're concerned, J.C. has been a very loyal teammate for seven years. We're going to support him throughout this."
Haywood, a five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona, will partner with Joao Barbosa in the No. 59 Porsche-powered Riley prototype. Haywood will qualify and start the car for the Grand Prix of Miami, then let Barbosa finish the race.
France was stopped for street racing with his roommate in Daytona Beach. Police then charged him with possession of narcotics and driving under the influence. He posted $4,500 bond and was released from the Volusia County Jail.
"J.C. France was arrested Thursday morning in Daytona Beach, Fla., for driving under the influence. He was also charged for possession of cocaine," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. "Grand Am has issued a penalty notice and suspended J.C. indefinitely from all competition for actions detrimental to racing. The penalty is not appealable. J.C. is being treated like any other competitor. His suspension is immediate and indefinite."
The Jacksonville-based race team said still will field two prototypes during the 2010 season.
"The program is not in jeopardy," Haywood said. "Right now, our real concern is J.C. and we will support him as he works through this."