As #17-Matt Kenseth’s spotter for the last six years, Mike Calinoff [stockcarcity.com] has experienced the highs and lows of NASCAR’s top series. Certainly, Saturday night was the latest of milestones since he guided Matt to rookie-of-the-year honors in 2000. He was the “eyes in the sky” for the #17 Dewalt Ford when Matt delivered Jack Roush’s long-awaited first title. But he’s also witnessed the frustrations of maintaining a championship caliber team over the long haul. When the cars roll out at Daytona next February, Calinoff’s unmistakable bass will be booming over #40-David Stremme’s radio channel. In addition to his spotting duties, Calinoff will also oversee the day-to-day business aspects for the Ganassi Racing up-and-comer. There’s an opportunity for growth with Ganassi, whereas the Roush spotter’s gig didn’t offer for the chance for advancement. And like any new relationship, Stremme’s deal will be loaded with firsts — first pole, first win and if Calinoff is lucky, a first title.(Sporting News)(9-1-2005)
UPDATE: Sunday’s Subway 500 at the Martinsville Speedway marked the final race of Mike Calinoff’s six-year term as Matt Kenseth’s spotter. The two mutually agreed that an early separation would afford Kenseth the time to audition a new spotter, and allow Calinoff the opportunity to begin handling the management chores for Rookie David Stremme. For the remainder of the season Calinoff, who was featured this weekend on NBC’s Today Show, will serve as spotter for Reed Sorensen’s Nextel Cup debut races in Atlanta and Texas, as well as Stremme’s entry in Homestead and his remaining Busch Series events.(PR)(10-24-2005)
