Manning out for Texas

The Yorkshireman is recovering from back injuries sustained in a 100g accident during qualifying at the California Speedway recently, and his team boss Chip Ganassi has decided to rest Manning rather than risk aggravating the injury further.

Manning suffered a concussion and a minor compression fracture of the thoracic vertebrae after crashing his G Force Toyota on the second lap of pole qualifying for the Calafornia race and was forced to sit out the rest of the event.

"It is a shame to end the season in this manner," said Manning. "I feel really good, but I will certainly abide by the doctor's recommendations. I have learned and gained a vast amount of experience from the Target team, and we improved steadily throughout the year.

"I feel badly for my crew, who worked so hard this year, and we all would have liked to have had a chance to end the season on a better note."

Manning will not be replaced for the last race at Texas with Ganassi preferring to concentrate all his team's efforts on out-going champion Scott Dixon instead.

"Darren Manning has already proved this season that he has the talent and drive that we expected from him," said Ganassi. "Darren has nothing more to prove this year, and we would certainly not want to take any undue risks with his health."