Foyt happy with Manning's showing

Manning had been competitive throughout the race until lap 75, when he spun out of third place at turn four while under pressure from Tony Kanaan.

The 31-year-old eventually finished the race in 12th place, and he was surprised by the reaction of his team boss.

"When I got back to the truck, I sat down with AJ and he was surprisingly upbeat," said Manning. "He said 'hey, at least they know we're here'."

Foyt's team have struggled to be competitive in recent years, but when Manning signed for the one-car outfit in the winter he targeted the street and road course events for good results.

"He was more than happy that we're catching those big boys," Manning added. "I was more disappointed really, but he knows the driver feels the disappointment more himself.

"He was telling me stories of how he crashed out with a lead of more than a lap, so he knows what it feels like."

Manning will have to wait until July 8 for another opportunity on a road course, when the series heads to Watkins Glen for the second of five non-oval events.