Darren Manning

jjspierx · 27 Jul 2005, 19:07 (Ref:1364947)

It would appear Manning is out of a ride at Ganassi. Hopefully he'll look over this way, and the teams here will look at him.

drewdawg727 · 27 Jul 2005, 19:30 (Ref:1364958)

Personally, i think Manning is a better road racer than an oval racer.
Perhaps coming back to Champ Car is the best thing for him

Kicking-back · 27 Jul 2005, 20:04 (Ref:1364983)

He has said he is unlikely to race again for anyone this year, but he's actively pursuing drives in ChampCar and IndyCar for 2006

Dov · 27 Jul 2005, 22:19 (Ref:1365096)

If Haberfeld hasn't been offered a ride, I don't see why Manning should.

Snrub · 28 Jul 2005, 02:59 (Ref:1365197)

Kicking-Back, do you have any quotes or links from Manning? I'm just curious to hear what he'd have to say.

At the end of 2003 Manning seemed to be making a real push for a stable ride and that clearly wasn't available in Champ Car. I suppose the question is, will there be any competitive/stable seats available in 2006? There's an off chance that Forsythe or PKV, but other than that the top seats seem locked up. HVM would be a decent choice, but they're in rough shape financially. His best chance may be to become an Ausi citizen.

While I think Haberfeld is a terrific driver, Manning was sublime in 2003 and was reasonably impressive in the IRL.

jjspierx · 28 Jul 2005, 03:00 (Ref:1365198)

Manning is more of a people person. A better speaker, probably easier for him to find sponsorship. Although these days it seems drivers rarely bring personal sponsorship anyway, with the exception of a few drivers. (such as AJ). Don't overestimate a drivers skill in his role in landing him a successful ride in with a team.

Kicking-back · 28 Jul 2005, 05:47 (Ref:1365253)

Manning is also a better driver than Haberfeld by far.

There's a full interview with Darren at autosport-atlas.com

BSchneiderFan · 28 Jul 2005, 13:36 (Ref:1365593)

Part of me hopes he gets a decent IRL ride and spanks Ganassi's drivers, just to show Chip what a stupid, knee-jerk reaction to underlying problems he made.

mountainstar · 28 Jul 2005, 19:26 (Ref:1365890)

I think he's out of the IRL for good.

Kicking-back · 28 Jul 2005, 19:28 (Ref:1365896)

Well he himself says he's looking at options in both IndyCar and ChampCar.

Tenoch · 28 Jul 2005, 20:06 (Ref:1365959)

Darren got the rest of his contract paid, maybe he'll put some of that money into one of the HVM or Coyne rides.

Kicking-back · 28 Jul 2005, 20:15 (Ref:1365975)

I don't think he would.

Being a racing driver is a short career - and few "professional" drivers would put their own money into a drive.

jjspierx · 28 Jul 2005, 20:49 (Ref:1366014)

Manning said he won't consider a ride where he can't be competitive so that pretty much rules out Coyne. Not necessarily HVM though if a seat opens.

mp356a · 29 Jul 2005, 20:40 (Ref:1366893)

I hope he comes back to Champ Car. He is a good driver and seems like a real class act. We can't have enough guys like that in CC in my opinion.
Mike

Tim Northcutt · 29 Jul 2005, 21:37 (Ref:1366929)

Here is the kicker...

Ganassi announced today that Jacques Lazier will take Manning's seat in the 3rd car...

Darren is a better driver than Jacques, IMO...

BSchneiderFan · 29 Jul 2005, 21:39 (Ref:1366931)

What the hell is Ganassi playing at? This makes no sense at all.

Amar7605 · 31 Jul 2005, 18:41 (Ref:1368406)

There has to me more than meets the eye on this issue. Ganassi wouldn't be stupid to let Manning go without a valid reason.

On the other hand, I do hope that Darren Manning does come to Champ Car. I really liked him. He was a great talent and very personable. He was instantly a fan favorite, and I think CC needs personalities like that. He could have been that fun-loving, down-home, folksy guy that NASCAR drivers make themselves out to be - only that he is from the other side of the pond!

Liz · 31 Jul 2005, 18:45 (Ref:1368408)

Ditto -- I met Manning in Toronto and I like him very much. I hope he will come back, or maybe we can get him into the ALMS.

Kicking-back · 31 Jul 2005, 19:08 (Ref:1368422)

I can tell you Darren is in San Jose.

jondownunder · 31 Jul 2005, 19:11 (Ref:1368425)

Just heard that too, Manning's manager is on the phone to the Sky studio during their live IRL IndyCar coverage, and apparently Darren is in San Jose as the guest of one of the top Champ Car teams...

luke · 31 Jul 2005, 19:14 (Ref:1368427)

Also they called him over very soon after the news, so it is possible he could be in Champ Car or the IRL next year.

luke · 31 Jul 2005, 19:19 (Ref:1368431)

Also he still wants to do the Indy 500, so if he does opt for Champ Car, it could well be for a team that does that race and usually that is Newman/Haas who could bring in 3 cars next year but where would that leave Servia?.. Silly season already!!!

Xpunk75 · 31 Jul 2005, 19:59 (Ref:1368445)

I think and I hope Darren lands a Champ Car ride. He is a pretty Popular open wheel racing driver and it would help Champ Car and make the series more competitive.

jondownunder · 31 Jul 2005, 21:06 (Ref:1368508)

Ironcally Ganassi at Michigan was just saying they need someone for the third car in the road courses...

Snrub · 1 Aug 2005, 00:24 (Ref:1368667)

Ganassi had some pretty lame stuff to say about Manning during the IRL MI race.

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