Former NASCAR driver Combs arrested

GREENSBORO, N.C., March 4 (UPI) -- Police in Wilkes County, N.C., say former NASCAR driver Dean Combs has been arrested for allegedly manufacturing moonshine.

The Wilkes Journal-Patriot reported Wednesday that police and state agents said Combs had been producing home-distilled alcohol in a 300-gallon still allegedly found on his property in Wilkesboro, N.C.

"It was a very professional, clean operation ... all stainless steel," North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent Shon Tally said of the alleged still, which was found after an anonymous tip.

Authorities alleged they also located nearly 1,150 gallons of corn mash on Combs' property and seized 200 gallons of corn liquor in the raid.

Combs, who won five championships in the NASCAR's former Goody's Dash Series, allegedly even bragged about his illegal alcoholic creations.

"It's something I was always interested in," the current crew chief for car owner Junior Johnson was quoted as saying by the Journal-Patriot. "I wanted to see if I could make something drinkable. I guess I gave someone a quart I shouldn't have."