Tony Stewart, the reigning Sprint Cup champion, a likely Chase contender this year and the pole-sitter for the AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, is losing his primary sponsor, Office Depot, at the end of the season.
Mike Arning, a spokesman for Stewart Haas Racing, confirmed the move on Sunday and said the team and Stewart are still hoping to remain affiliated with Office Depot on some level.
“SHR is in continued discussions with Office Depot regarding possible future roles the company could have with the team,” Arning said.
Arning also passed along a statement from Mindy Kramer, Senior Director of Communications for Office Depot.
“The decision to significantly curtail our relationship with Stewart-Haas Racing was very difficult and one that we did not take lightly,” Kramer said. “However, 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.”
Mobil 1 is planning to return to Stewart’s team in 2013 as co-primary sponsor, as it is this year, Arning said.
“Runner-up jinx” not a factor for Edwards
For whatever reason, in recent years the driver who finishes second one year in the championship standings tends to have a disappointing year the next go-round.
Carl Edwards is in that position this year after tying Tony Stewart in points last year but losing the title on the tie-breaker of race wins, which went to Stewart who had five wins to Edwards' one.