Another sponsor shows support for Stewart

One of Tony Stewart's primary sponsors reaffirmed its commitment Sunday to the NASCAR star, citing "overwhelming" public support as Stewart remains under investigation in a sprint car driver's death. There's been no change in the marketing plan for Rush Truck Centers, the primary sponsor of Stewart's car in five races in NASCAR's premier series this season. W.M. "Rusty" Rush, the CEO, chairman and president of the truck dealership company (which is headquartered in New Braunfels, Texas, just outside San Antonio), said he attended the Atlanta race in a show of respect for the team. "We stand by Tony," Rush told USA TODAY Sports.

"That's why I'm here today. It was a terrible accident. It was a tragedy. Obviously like anyone, we're sitting back and waiting for the investigation (to be completed). At the same time, we see nothing right now that would change our relationship with Stewart-Haas." Rush's marketing department has been monitoring feedback through email, its Facebook page and other forms of social media.

"It was an accident, and we find that's the way it's been viewed, at least by our customer base," Rush said. "You're going to have a few negative comments, but it's been overwhelmingly in support of our sponsorship, of SHR and of Tony." Rush said he had talked to some on the company's board of directors and his executive staff, but there had been no meetings to re-evaluate its NASCAR sponsorship, which continues through the 2015 season. Rush wouldn't comment on how the sponsorship would be affected if criminal charges were filed against Stewart. "Speculation wouldn't be proper at this time," he said. "Let the investigators take it one step at a time." USA Today