But British CART star admits to safety concerns
source:
autosport.com
British Champ Car World Series driver Darren Manning is believed to be
considering switching codes to the Indy Racing League for 2004. The 27-year-old
has been linked to a drive in the all-oval series with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Manning told ESPN.com that he has received offers from both series and
may be forced to choose. His CART team owner Derrick Walker has said he will not
renew his option on Manning, hinting that this was mainly because he could not
match offers from IRL teams.
"It's very strange to be in this position," said Manning. "I've spent all these
years trying to get to this level and never had any offers and now it's twice as
hard to make a decision."
Asked about the rumoured deal with Manning, Ganassi's managing director Mike
Hull said: "Darren would be an excellent driver for anyone who had the chance to
sign him up. But we're currently talking with three drivers."Manning admits in
this week's AUTOSPORT Magazine that he has safety reservations about any IRL
switch. Former champion Kenny Brack was badly injured in a violent accident in
the last round of the series at Texas, while Tony Renna, Ganassi Racing's new
signing, was killed last week in another airborne accident just minutes into his
first test for the team at Indianapolis.
"It's the only time in my life when I've been considering a drive and the
element of danger has entered my thoughts," said the Yorkshireman. "That's a big
consideration. In CART it has never crossed my mind."