Manning elated with second

Manning has fought with American Spirit Team Johansson drivers Hunter-Reay and Jimmy Vasser for top Reynard honours throughout the season, with the Briton and Walker Racing usually emerging on top.

In Australia, Manning was delayed by an incident that also involved CART champion Paul Tracy and that might have made the difference between first and second place. He got collected in the wreck that occurred in front of him and had to sit helpless as he watched Tracy attempt to back his car over Manning's.

"PT just lobbed it in reverse and hit full gas," Manning related. "I thought he was coming right at the top of my head and he was on a mission. Then he did a big burnout and wiped his rear corner out on Tag."

Even though he made much of his progress in the wet, Manning was glad CART officials red-flagged the race for 40 minutes during a brief shower and hail storm.

"They did a great job in calling it, to be honest," he said. "I think actually made for a very good race to watch as the track dried out. I am sure everybody stayed around to watch because the grand stands were still full."