Joe Gibbs Racing loses Home Depot as sponsor, according to report

One of NASCAR’s longest team sponsorships will end at the conclusion of the 2014 season, according to the Sports Business Journal.

The Home Depot is ending its sponsorship of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 car currently driven by Matt Kenseth, and leaving NASCAR entirely. The company began its association with JGR when the team expanded in 1999, adding a second car for Tony Stewart.

Stewart would win two Cup championships before leaving JGR in 2009 to become co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. Joey Logano replaced Stewart with middling success before Kenseth took over the No. 20 seat last season. Kenseth won seven races, but finished second in points to Lowes-supported Jimmie Johnson, who’s won six championships since Home Depot last won a title with Stewart in 2005.

That Home Depot is withdrawing from NASCAR comes as no surprise. In recent seasons the company has gradually scaled back its involvement with JGR and the sport, with Dollar General the primary sponsor of the No. 20 team in 27 of 38 races in 2014.

One potential consequence of losing Home Depot is whether JGR decides against adding a fourth car for next season. The organization is thought to be close to signing Carl Edwards, who would team with Kenseth, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. JGR officials have repeatedly denied comment on Edwards joining the organization as well as possible expansion plans.