Calinoff Out at Roush; Is Bono Gone at EGRwFS?

According to the man himself, Mike Calinoff will not be back as spotter for the No. 17 Ford team of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2014.

Calinoff, known for his wicked sense of humor and a fixture atop the spotter's stand for Roush Fenway Racing since 2000, won't be on stand for Stenhouse or Trevor Bayne in the Nationwide Series. 

"Jack Roush, Robbie Reiser and Matt Kenseth took a chance on me in 2000 and afforded me the opportunity to build a career in NASCAR that has far exceeded my expectations," Calinoff told Dave Moody on his Sirius XM radio show. "Ive worked with a number of amazing drivers and crew chiefs who will continue to be great friends."

"I've enjoyed working with Mike," said Stenhouse, "and I appreciate his help over the past four years."

Calinoff's resume at Roush Fenway Racing includes 47 victories in NASCARs three National Touring Series with Kenseth, Stenhouse and Ricky Craven. He won the 2003 Sprint Cup title and two Daytona 500s (2009 & 2012) with Kenseth, in addition to back-to-back Nationwide crowns with Stenhouse in 2011 and 2012. 

"Even though I will not return to RFR in 2014, I remain focused on trying to win a Sprint Cup race with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.," said Calinoff. "That would be an awesome way to end the season."

Another rumor, first reported at Jayski.com, has Kevin "Bono" Mannion stepping off the pit box at the end of the season and going to Turner Scott Motorsports in a management capacity. Keith Rodden, Kasey Kahne's engineer at Hendrick, is rumored to be stepping up to take Mannion's spot. EGRwFS switched to Hendrick engines this season.