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Manning targets Indy 500 win

New Ganassi Racing driver Darren Manning has set himself the modest target of taking victory in the Indianapolis 500 in his first season in the IRL IndyCar Series next year

The Indianapolis-based Briton has pledged to race next season in the memory of Tony Renna. Manning was given his chance with Ganassi after the American driver was killed in his first test for the team, and Manning admits to mixed feelings about landing the drive in such circumstances.

"It was a lot of mixed feeling really," said Manning," excitement that I was going to get the drive, but a lot of sorrow. I didn't really know what I was feeling. Everybody has been very supportive and I want to be as supportive as possible to all Tony's family and friends and obviously I will be racing in Tony's memory as well."

Talking about his goals for next season, Manning said: "Hopefully a lot of race wins and maybe even the championship. Definitely the Indy 500 anyway. I have already got that one pencilled in."

Although Manning has yet to drive at the famous track, he did go to this year's race - as a spectator.

"I was up there in the grandstands with a load of my mechanics from Walker [Racing, his team in CART]. Just to be on that side of the fence was something else. It's definitely been a dream to race there. It's going to be the highlight of my career so far, definitely."

Manning is the third Briton to be confirmed for the IRL next season, alongside Andretti Green star Dan Wheldon and new Panther signing Mark Taylor.

"We're taking over America, aren't we?" said Manning. "There will be plenty of bacon butties and cups of tea, I am sure."

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