Stewart to form new team

Office Depot and Old Spice will serve as co-primary sponsors of Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet Impala SS NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry beginning in 2009. The winner of 31 manufacturer’s championships since coming to Sprint Cup in 1955, Chevrolet adds another powerful team to its already potent lineup with the addition of Stewart-Haas Racing.

Putting an exclamation point on Stewart’s new ride for 2009 is that his red and black Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet will carry the No. 14, made famous by the legendary A.J. Foyt.

“Tony and I have been friends for a long time,” said Foyt, a winner of four Indianapolis 500’s, the 1972 Daytona 500 and the 1967 24 Hours of LeMans. “I think I first met him when he was running Midgets. It was quite a while ago so I don’t actually remember where and when. A few times he drove the Silver Crown car I had with George Snider back in the mid-90s and I gave him his first test in an Indy car in Phoenix (in 1995) and he ran pretty quick as I recall.

“In addition to being quick, he’s always told it how it is. I don’t think there’s anyone better to carry the No. 14.”

Stewart has always admired what Foyt, currently an IRL IndyCar Series owner, accomplished in a driving career that began in 1957 and spanned such racing divisions as Indy car, NASCAR, USAC and sports car racing.

“He has given a lot back to racing and has been one of its biggest supporters, Stewart said. “Without guys like him, guys like me wouldn’t have had a chance to succeed.”

For an in-depth look at Stewart’s move, see our News & Analysis by John Carollo.  (photo by Getty Images) [08/14/08]