Townley placed on probation by NASCAR through Dec. 31

   NASCAR on Thursday placed John Wes Townley, a driver in the Camping World Truck Series, on probation until Dec. 31 as a result of his arrest last month on drunk driving charges in Georgia.

   At the time of the incident, Townley was indefinitely suspended by his RAB Racing team and did not compete in the series opener at Daytona.

   According to the statement issued by NASCAR, in addition to the steps already underway by RAB Racing, Townley will be evaluated by a certified substance abuse professional at NASCAR’s discretion and will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

   The Athens Banner-Herald reported that Townley was disoriented, seemed intoxicated and was bleeding from his feet at the time of his accident. His car, a 2012 BMW, had run off the roadway and hit a telephone pole, the newspaper reported.

   RAB Racing said it would welcome Townley back to the team "at the appropriate time."