Indy car racer Darren Manning has joined the diverse driver lineup at Spirit of Daytona Racing for the upcoming Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Briton joins the team's 2010's full-time drivers, Buddy Rice and Antonio Garcia, and NASCAR regular Paul Menard for the 24-hour enduro.
Manning, best known for his success in the IndyCar Series, has also been an active competitor in the Grand-Am Rolex Series in the past. He placed second overall at the Rolex 24 in 2007, and returned to Grand-Am competition in 2009, racing in the Daytona season opener with Orbit Motorsports, in addition to his IRL appearances during the year. Manning has raced professionally since his early karting days and competed in a number of Formula Series, winning both Japanese and British F3 Series Championships.
Menard is making an encore appearance with the Spirit of Daytona team, having posted class wins with them on two occasions. He attended the December testing in Daytona, and will join Manning for the "Roar Before the 24" test days to log some additional track time.
The team's No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Coyote will appear in a "Menard yellow" paint scheme for the Rolex 24, scheduled for Jan. 30-31.