Tony Stewart, driver of the No.14 Office Depot Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) will be without Office Depot as a sponsor in 2013.
Stewart is a big name for the news lately, last week it was the helmet toss at Bristol and this week a huge loss of his primary sponsor leaving the No.14 Team.
Office Depot is currently a co-primary sponsor for Stewart and the No.14 Team and has been since he created his own team in 2009.
“Office Depot has notified SHR that they will not be renewing as the primary sponsor of the No.14 team,” SHR spokesman Mike Arning said. “However, SHR is in continued discussions with Office Depot regarding possible future roles the company could have with the team.” Asked what those future roles might be, Arning was unable to specify. “They want to be involved with Tony and the team, but are unsure how right now,” he said.
Office Depot held the primary sponsorship in 22 of 38 races in 2012. Mobil 1, which holds primary sponsorship of the No.14 in the series’ remaining 16 events, will carry the same investment in 2013, Arning said.
Mindy Kramer, Senior Director of Communications for Office Depot said, “The changing business landscape warrants a realignment of priorities and resources…That being said, Tony Stewart has been an exceptional ambassador for our brand, and he has gone above and beyond in everything that he has done for our company. Being a part of his legendary 2011 championship run was a moment of tremendous pride for everyone at Office Depot.”
Office Depot leaving leaves a huge void for Stewart who now not only has to find sponsorship for the No.39 of team mate Ryan Newman but himself as well. RELATED: Army to end sponsorship of NASCAR
Kramer and NASCAR spokesman Jon Schwartz both said the two sides are still negotiating any future relationship
