Ex-NASCAR Driver Gets Jail Time after 140 mph Pursuit

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http://www.fox8.com/news/ktla-nascar...,1523642.story

The Corvette's engine blew up in the La Jolla area.
KTLA News
12:48 AM EDT, May 19, 2010

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- A former NASCAR driver who was arrested after leading police on 140 mph pursuit in a 2003 Corvette has been sentenced to a month in jail and probation.

James Neal pleaded guilty on Tuesday to misdemeanor felony evasion while driving recklessly.

Neal was arrested in San Diego County early Monday following the 50 mile chase.

The 56-year-old San Clemente resident was booked into Orange County Jail.

Sheriff's Lt. Mike Jansen says San Clemente deputies tried to pull over the 2003 Corvette for a traffic violation at about 3 a.m. but Neal refused to stop and raced along Interstate 5 to San Diego County.

The Corvette's engine blew up in the La Jolla area and deputies arrested him without a struggle.

NASCAR officials say Neal was a NASCAR track racer at the old Ascot Park track in Gardena in the early 1980s.

According to his website, jimmynealracing.us, Neal won three NASCAR races in the early 1980s.

He retired for 21 years before returning to racing in 2008.

He raced in the regional series; he was not a national driver.

Neal raced in Winston West and Southwest Tour races.