I don't claim to have ANY knowledge of racing sponsorships, however I have a fair understanding of public relations.
1 - The sponsors would be fools to bail on Smoke while he is "grieving."
2 - If handled correctly, Smoke will come out of this more popular than JR.
3 - Presently and in the foreseeable future, the sponsors are getting 2/3 times as much exposure as before.
Pretty much sums it up.