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NASCAR fan to spend time in jail for drunken birthday stunt

Posted at 1:13 PM, Dec 11, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-11 18:31:44-05

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- The man who climbed to the top of the fence around Richmond International Raceway during September's Federated Auto Parts 400 will spend one month in jail and pay a $100 fine.

James Dennis, 53, of Hopewell, pled guilty to public intoxication and disorderly conduct Thursday in Henrico County Court.

Fence man RIR

"I am deeply in regret of what I did. I want to apologize to everyone. It was just stupid," Dennis said during a previous court hearing.

James R. Dennis of Hopewell (PHOTO: Henrico Police)

James R. Dennis of Hopewell

A race fan captured video of Dennis atop the fence and posted it on YouTube. The incident forced the NASCAR race to be run under a caution until Dennis climbed down.

Police said Dennis told officers it was his birthday and he wanted to be on television.

"I was thinking about it when I did it. I got hung up in the moment. Cool race. I guess we never grow up," Dennis said.

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