Manning set for fulltime Champ Car ride
England's Darren Manning will be confirmed as a driver in Walker Racing's 2003 line-up later today (Thursday), according to AUTOSPORT magazine
Manning finished ninth in his one-off outing at Rockingham last year, and his chance for a fulltime drive came when Walker's deal with Mexican Roberto Gonzalez fell through last week. Team boss Derrick Walker has fielded Japanese drivers, including Shinji Nakano and Tora Takagi, over the past few years and said he was looking forward to working with Manning.
"It'll be a hell of a relief to have somebody who thinks the way we do and drives his socks off for all the right reasons," said Walker. "It'll be a refreshing change."
Manning said: "I haven't signed a contract yet, but I'm very excited. To race fulltime in Champ Cars is the kind of deal I've dreamed of."
Manning had lined up a combined Japanese GT and Formula Nippon assault, but is now expected to have his first Champ Car test with Walker at Sebring next week. An official announcement is expected from Walker Racing this afternoon.
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