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

About Activ8 Development

NASCAR personality, Mike Calinoff, has been working with and mentoring young drivers for most of his career. As the spotter for NASCAR Champion, Matt Kenseth, he has visited victory lane numerous times -- including the 2009 Daytona 500 -- and knows what it takes to be a successful racer.

Calinoff has worked with many young drivers over the course of his career including NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Kelly Bires, K&N Pro Series East standout Sean Caisse and ARCA Racing’s Brandon McReynolds, the son of SPEED TV’s Larry McReynolds.

This season, Mike is serving as the spotter and driver coach for Roush Fenway’s Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and and F1 star Nelson Piquet, who is transitioning from open-wheel to the ranks of NASCAR.

For Mike, Activ8 Development has evolved from Team Full Throttle for which he has been a part of for the past four years. Now, with the support of a team of eleven full-time employees of Activ8 Communications and the addition of new driver coaches and mentors. Activ8 Development is a full-service agency and consulting group, which can provide every resource a young driver needs to be successful.

For more information on Activ8 Development, please visit the official website.