FanHouse BennyParsons

The 2007 NASCAR seasons is in the book and oh ... the memories and monotony. I will remember it most as the year Dale Earnhardt Jr. left the company his father started, Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus dominated and the season droned on in the car of tomorrow.

Here are the Top 35 things I will remember most about the 2007 NASCAR Season, in (mostly) chronological order:

1. AOL Sports welcomed NASCAR into the Fanhouse

2. Mark Martin didn't win the Daytona 500

3. Michael Waltrip Racing's Intake Gate

4. Washington State dissed NASCAR fans

5. Juan Pablo Montoya won in Mexico

6. Car of Tomorrow debuted at Bristol

7. Team Red Bull mechanic Jimmy Sprinkle murdered

8. The Virginia Tech Tragedy

9. Kevin James' Engine Command

NASCAR, which has been synonymous with smoking for decades (Hi ... remember when the premier series was sponsored by Winston?), continues their recently adopted effort to kick the habit.

This weekend's Busch Series race, The Nicorette 300, will be dedicated in memory of NASCAR legend Benny Parsons, who died January 16 of complications from lung cancer. BP was originally slated to be Grand Marshal for the race.

In celebration of BP, family of the 1973 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion will be honored and recognized as Grand Marshals of the Nicorette 300. Parsons' brother, Phil Parsons, a former Cup driver and current Speed TV broadcaster will represent the family at the race serving as Grand Marshal.

To honor Parsons' life, fans attending the Nicorette 300 will take part in a "Celebration of BP" during pre-race ceremonies. NEXTEL Vision will air a special video montage featuring highlights from Parson's racing and broadcasting career as well as memories from many of his friends within NASCAR. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch, and Craftsman Truck Series racecars will carry a special "BP-72" contingency sticker throughout the Nicorette 300 weekend to remember Parsons and his car number "72."

Speaking of remembering Parsons and his #72 car, the Parsons family would like some memorabilia back. Where have you gone with his stuff, Chris Politis?