Office Depot leaving as Stewart's sponsor
Tony Stewart is losing Office Depot, one of his primary sponsors, ESPN.com reported Sunday.
Office Depot has been a co-primary sponsor of Stewart's No. 14 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series since 2009, but will not return next year.
"Office Depot has notified SHR that they will not be renewing as the primary sponsor of the No. 14 team," Stewart Haas Racing spokesman Mike Arning said. "However, SHR is in continued discussions with Office Depot regarding possible future roles the company could have with the team."
Arning could not specify what those future roles could be.
Office Depot was Stewart's primary sponsor in the first 22 series races this year. Mobil 1 is the primary sponsor in the remaining 16 events and will keep the same investment next year.
"The changing business landscape warrants a realignment of priorities and resources," said Mindy Kramer, Senior Director of Communications for Office Depot, in a written statement. "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 has been the "official office products partner" since 2005. The two sides are still negotiating their future relationship.
