Manning counts on Unser's help

Unser Jr is making a one-off appearance alongside Manning in AJ Foyt's team for the race, and the British driver has been happy to have a teammate for the first time this season.

"Al's got a great deal of experience, and it's been a real benefit to bounce things off him," Manning told autosport.com.

"We're used to making decisions on our own, but it's reassured me that he's been backing up my decisions."

Unser Jr added that the pair were running very similar set-ups for the race, and Manning believes that there is more to come from the team in the race.

"We haven't showed our full potential yet," he said. "We've got a brand new car for this race, and the extra attention to detail that the team has put into it has really made a difference.

Manning also believes that two-time winner Unser Jr will be able to help him get through the 500-mile race.

"His experience will be good come race day," he added. "This place changes from hour to hour, and it helps to have someone who can tell you when to just sit back and take a breather."

Manning will start the race from 15th position, while Unser Jr is 25th on the grid out of 33 cars.