The 2007 NASCAR season was dominated by changes, controversy and surprise. Many say the racing was lackluster and disappointing. Drivers complained about not being able to drive the COT as well as the older style car and teams complained NASCAR left them too restricted to make major changes.

With Hendrick dominance throughout the year and little excitement on the track, many of the year’s biggest stories occurred off the track.

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Leaves DEI

The story that dominated the 2007 season centered around the sport’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and his plans for the 2008 season. Early in the year, Dale Jr. announced that contract negotiations with DEI had failed to produce anything positive and that he would be leaving his father’s company at the end of the 2007 season. This announcement sent shockwaves rippling through the NASCAR garage, leaving everyone to wonder which team would grab the sport’s biggest star.

Richard Childress Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and even Ginn Racing all expressed interest in acquiring Earnhardt Jr. Questions were answered on June 13th, when Dale Jr. announced at a press conference he would join Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears at Hendrick Motorsports.

For Junior the move to Hendrick Motorsports offered him the best opportunity to win a championship, “I think I have a good opportunity to succeed and win a lot of races. I believe, honestly and personally, that I will carry a championship on my mantle when I'm all said and done.”

While the question of which team was answered, the biggest question quickly turned to what number and what sponsor. Budweiser, Junior’s long time sponsor was not following his move to Hendrick Motorsports. In addition, Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Junior’s step-mother and CEO and President of Dale Earnhardt Inc., refused to give up the No. 8 to Rick Hendrick.

This did not sit well with many fans, leading many to bad mouth Teresa. Soon the announcement was made that Dale Jr. would drive the No. 88 with co-sponsorship from the National Guard and Mountain Dew/Amp Energy drink. Once the news broke, the merchandise started flowing off the shelves and into the stands. A new look for Junior means a new look in the grandstands, as the Junior Nation was sure to follow their driver no matter where he went.

2. The Death of Bill France Jr.

During the rain-delayed June race at Dover International Speedway, NASCAR officials lowered the American Flag in the infield to half mast. The news of Bill France Jr.’s death came as the sport he helped build roared around the track. France’s death was felt by everyone throughout the NASCAR community.

Always a strong and prominent figure, Bill France Jr. was able to take the sport his father built and make it what it is today. He oversaw NASCAR in some of its most important years and helped it gain the national recognition it enjoys today. He will be missed by all of those that had the pleasure to know him and the thousands out there that simply shared the same of love of stock car racing.

3. COT Racing Full-Time in 2008

NASCAR officials originally planned for the Car of Tomorrow to be phased into Cup competition over a period of three years; 16 races in 2007, 26 races in 2008 and finally all 36 events in 2009. After a year of testing and actual race experience, NASCAR decided the COT would be used in full-time competition in 2008.

The announcement was good news for crew members who had been forced to build and work on two different styles of cars. Many drivers and crew chiefs complained NASCAR needed to make major changes to the car. NASCAR officials have stuck to their guns, saying there are no changes planned for the car.

4. Ginn Racing’s Demise

Four months after coming within inches of winning the Daytona 500 with Mark Martin, the doors to the Ginn Racing shop closed, leaving over 160 employees without jobs. Drivers Sterling Marlin, Joe Nemechek and Ragan Smith were left without rides as Ginn Racing announced a merger with Dale Earnhardt Inc.

After coming into the sport with the promise of deep pockets and looking to become a top-tier team, a lack of sponsorship eventually forced the team to merge with DEI.

Many former employees blamed Bobby Ginn of not fulfilling contracts and letting them down. Lawsuits were filed and demonstrations at the racetrack ensued. At the October race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, disgruntled former employees paid for a plane to fly a banner reading, “How much money does Bobby Ginn owe you?”

In a sport where respect and values are held in such high regard, many felt Ginn ignored those and was simply looking to make a quick buck.

5. Bruton Smith’s Show of Power

Bruton Smith, president of Speedway Motorsports Inc., gave the city of Concord, NC a huge scare after threatening to move Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Built in 1960, Lowe’s serves as NASCAR’s ‘home track’ and has a major economic impact on the small city located just north of Charlotte.

After the county questioned Smith’s plans to build a drag strip on speedway property, Smith made it known he was in charge and held the power this case. Stating he was, “90% sure he was moving Lowe’s Motor Speedway” got the attention of everyone in the area.

Smith then announced he had acquired New Hampshire International Speedway for a measly $340 million. This made fans throughout the New England area worry about losing one of their dates to Las Vegas, one of Smith’s other tracks.

An $80 million incentive package (split among the city of Concord, Cabarrus County and North Carolina) was enough to convince the mogul to keep Lowe’s Motor Speedway where it has been for over forty years.