Home Depot doesn’t plan to increase its commitment to NASCAR, even though the organization is seeking a new title sponsor for the Winston Cup Series. “We enjoy the relationship we have with NASCAR today,” said Bob Nardelli, chairman, chief executive and president of Home Depot. “It’s at the appropriate level.” The Atlanta-based retailer sponsors driver Tony Stewart, the 2002 Winston Cup champion. Former Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs is Stewart’s team owner. Last week, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., which makes Winston cigarettes, and NASCAR confirmed that talks have taken place about a change in the title sponsorship. Limits on advertising by cigarette makers and the weak economy have R.J. Reynolds thinking about ending the partnership that started in 1971.( Atlanta Journal-Constitution )(2-12-2003)
