Townley placed on probation by NASCAR after DUI arrest

John Wes Townley, NASCAR driver

Former Nationwide Series driver John Wes Townley has been placed on probation by NASCAR following his Feb. 7 arrest for DUI.

Townley, who was scheduled to race in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this year, also was placed in NASCAR’s substance abuse program and will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

Townley, 22, was placed on probation through Dec. 31, 2012 for “actions detrimental to stock-car racing" as a result of his arrest by the Oconee County (Ga.) Sheriff’s Office following a crash at 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 7.

According to the Athens Banner-Herald, Townley was disoriented, seemed intoxicated and was bleeding from his feet at the time of his arrest. His car, a 2012 BMW, had run off the road and struck a telephone pole, the newspaper reported.

Townley was detained at a residence and was arrested for DUI and “failure to maintain lane in connection to [a] vehicle crash nearby," according to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.

Following his arrest, Townley was suspended by the RAB Racing team he was supposed to drive for this season.

"Obviously, this is an unfortunate situation," team owner Robby Benton said in a statement after the arrest. "However, we have to react to the severity of the incident accordingly. His actions do not reflect those of RAB Racing, nor the sponsors associated with the team.

"John Wes has accepted full responsibility, and will take the necessary personal steps in order to correct his actions, among other internal sanctions. We stand by John Wes and will welcome him back to the team at the appropriate time."

Townley also was cited in February 2010 for underage possession of alcohol in Las Vegas during NASCAR’s Las Vegas race weekend.

Townley competed for RAB Racing in ARCA in 2008 and Nationwide in 2009.

He brought sponsorship to compete in the Nationwide Series for Richard Childress Racing in 2010 but was released after five races following several crashes on the track. He drove for Benton for four races before dropping from the scene. He sat out the 2011 season. Scenedaily.com