When Tony Stewart first sat behind the wheel of a Joe Gibbs Racing machine, making his NASCAR Cup debut, he carried the colors of The Home Depot.

That was 10 years ago, and now he is leaving the team that put the fuel in his fire.

Just one thing, The Home Depot is not going with Stewart.

The chief marketing officer for the home improvement chain, Frank Bifulco, only had good things to say to the long time partner.

“The Home Depot has had a remarkable relationship with Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing since our sponsorship commenced back in 1998,” said Bifulco. “With two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships and 32 race wins, Tony is a true competitor and an excellent ambassador for our company.”

The Home Depot’s contract with Joe Gibbs Racing is scheduled to run through next season. The sponsor’s future arrangements “will be announced at a later date,” according to Bifulco.