Fast Break

Auto racing

Stewart to drive No. 14

Tony Stewart has spent his entire career emulating A.J. Foyt, his childhood hero who dazzled the young racer with a tough-guy bravado and swashbuckling style.

So when given a chance to pay Foyt the ultimate compliment, Stewart didn’t hesitate: He’ll use the No. 14 next season in honor of the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

“It was pretty easy to decide on the number that my all-time hero had,” Stewart said Friday before revealing the two Chevrolets – one sponsored by Office Depot, the other by Old Spice – that he’ll drive next season when he leaves Joe Gibbs Racing to move into an ownership role at Stewart-Haas Racing.

Foyt’s had his share of altercations over the years, which is one of the things that attracted Stewart to him when he was searching for a favorite driver.

Basketball

OKC down to 6 nicknames

The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league’s new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind.

An attorney for the league made the filing Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Marshal is usually spelled with one l. It’s not clear why the league used a variant spelling.

The filing is listed on the patent office’s Web site.

The NBA and the team have refused to discuss possible new names for the team formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics ahead of an official announcement, which has not yet been scheduled.

Soccer

Nash joins MLS push

NBA superstar Steve Nash said he will invest in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ bid to buy a Major League Soccer franchise.

The Whitecaps are bidding to join the MLS in 2011.

The Phoenix Suns point guard, speaking from New York via telephone, told the news conference he will not be a majority owner, but will put a significant amount of money toward the project. Nash will join current owner Greg Kerfoot.

An MLS franchise will cost at least $30 million.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are currently part of the United Soccer League’s first division.