Office Depot departing

Office Depot will leave its role as a primary sponsor of Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet at the end of the season, according to reports on ESPN.com and Foxsports.com.

Team spokesperson Mike Arning indicated Stewart-Haas and Office Depot were discussing other ways in which the company might maintain its involvement with the racing organization.

Office Depot is the primary sponsor in 22 of the defending Cup champion’s races this season. Mobil 1, which is returning next year, is the primary sponsor for 16 races.

Arning told Foxsports.com that the decision “came pretty recently, so there’s certainly a sense of urgency and a good bit of work that needs to be done between now and the start of next year.”

Stewart-Haas also is trying to fill out sponsorship for Ryan Newman in order to re-sign the driver of the No. 39 Chevrolet. The U.S. Army has opted not to renew its partial primary sponsorship of Newman’s car next year.

Stewart-Haas also will field a full-time Sprint Cup ride for Danica Patrick next season.