DRIVER DEVELOPMENT

"Mike is a great teacher and an awesome spotter! I worked with him when I was younger and trying to move from dirt to Asphalt.  He helped me understand some of the basic things I needed to learn when I first started running asphalt. He helped me with my line on the track and corner entry and exit. I have also used him as a spotter in the Camping World Truck Series. He didn't just spot for me, he taught me a lot of different things through out the races that I ran with him. He's definitely my first choice for a spotter and driving coach!  Mike made a big difference in my performance and he did a phenomenal job spotting for me.  I have worked with quite a few driver development programs and Mike is one of the best when it comes to coaching a young driver."
- Chase Austin, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver 
 
"What makes Mike different is that he really has a knack for working with young kids. He has a very subtle approach and gently guides them when he spots for them so that they are constantly learning new things. There is a big difference between just spotting and coaching.  Mike coaches and teaches while he spots during a race. The time Chase spent with him early on doing testing really helped with Chase's learning curve. Mike was able to teach Chase because he understood what a young person needs. During races Mike knew just when to encourage him, when to get him to push it a little harder and go outside what might have felt safe and also when to settle him down. Mike Calinoff is one of the best! He is at the top of our list for driver development." 
– Steve Austin – Chase’s dad

One of Mike’s main focuses is on his acclaimed Team Full Throttle Driver Development Program. Along with his partner, Tom Baker, Mike and his staff tend to over 30 young drivers who are successful at their respective levels.

Team Full Throttle is about learning to lead on and off the track. It is essentially a group of some of the hottest young racing talents in the country brought together in a peer group that allows them to get to know and support each other in their efforts, learn together to establish the communications skills, work ethic, time management, and leadership qualities necessary to be attractive to potential race teams and sponsors.

Each team member receives training on and off the track, gaining marketing and public relations assistance as well as help with career planning and learning to deal with media, sponsors, and others who can help them achieve their goals.

The number of team members is growing, and each of them have been and continue to be successful on the track. The goal of Team Full Throttle is that it means something to those who are a part of it. It represents the right attitude on, at, and away from the track. That is what we look for here. It is not about just being a good racer. It is about being a good person. Maintaining good grades and exemplary behavior on a day to day basis are priority for our teammates.

For more information visit us at Team Full Throttle.