More Bad News For SHR: Office Depot Out For 2013

Office Depot will depart at season's end

Just weeks after the U.S. Army announced plans to end its sponsorship of Ryan Newman’s Stewart Haas Racing Sprint Cup Series Chevrolet, the team suffered another financial blow today when Office Depot confirmed that it will not return as co-primary sponsor of team owner Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Chevy. 

In a written statement, Office Depot Senior Director of Communications Mindy Kramer pinned the decision to withdraw on a “changing business landscape (that) warrants a realignment of priorities and resources."

She called Stewart, “an exceptional ambassador for our brand, (who) 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 will serve as primary sponsorship of Stewart’s No. 14 Chevy in 22 of 38 races this season. The remaining 16 events are underwritten by Mobil 1, which is expected to return for an identical schedule next season. 

Kramer’s statement made no mention of Office Depot’s designation as "Official Office Products Partner" of NASCAR, and sources say negotiations are ongoing with the sanctioning body to determine the future of that program.

Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR