First, a couple of reminders. If you haven’t already, please fill out the 2010 ‘Fabulous’ Reader Survey. To everyone that’s already taken the survey, thanks a million. I really appreciate all of the kind words and the suggestions! Also, take a millisecond and enter the contest to win a $200 NASCAR.com Superstore gift card.

‘Fabulous’ News has been picking up steam lately, so be sure to check it out for news from teams and sponsors. Good stuff. I also post random photos there as well.

In other news…

JR Motorsports announced today that they’ve signed Aric Almirola to a multi-year deal to drive the No. 88 in the Nationwide Series starting in 2011. I think this is a good fit for Aric and JR Motorsports, and it’s handy to be signing a big deal when you’re about to get married right? 🙂

“The chance to drive full time in the Nationwide Series with a top caliber team is something I am extremely excited about,” Almirola said.  “I was at the shop yesterday, and Kelley gathered all the employees around to announce our deal. The energy and excitement was addicting. We raced at ORP together a month ago and had a really good run.  There is no reason why we cannot compete like that every race, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be running for a championship. I would expect nothing less.”

Tony Stewart wears the firesuit that's up for auction at OfficeDepotRacing.com— Now is the time to bid on the firesuit and helmet worn by Tony Stewart at this year’s July 10th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway. Just go to the brand spanking new OfficeDepotRacing.com website.

More deets:

… through August 23, fans can bid on the actual Office Depot Foundation firesuit and helmet worn by Stewart during the July 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ race at Chicagoland Speedway. Stewart’s No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy featured a special “back-to-school” paint scheme at Chicagoland, and the unique firesuit and helmet were created specifically for that race.

Both items will be autographed by Stewart, and proceeds from the auction will be used to support The Office Depot Foundation’s award-winning National Backpack Program, which provides new backpacks to schools and charitable organizations that work with children in need across the country. 

“It was a lot of fun to have the special back-to-school paint scheme on my No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy earlier this summer, and I’m very proud to partner with the Office Depot Foundation on its National Backpack Program,” Stewart said. “I can tell you from experience how rewarding it is to see the look on these kids’ faces when they get a new backpack – it’s an automatic boost of confidence for them and helps them feel ready to take on the new school year just like everybody else. I hope fans will help support this awesome program by participating in the online auction.”