Darren Manning - 2004 News

Darren to miss season finale in Texas
Oct 12, 2004, 15:24

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Indianapolis, 12 October 2004 - Darren will miss the final round of the IRL IndyCar Series at Texas this weekend. The Target Chip Ganassi driver is recovering from the back injuries he sustained at the California Speedway on October 2nd. The injury, a minor compression fracture of the sixth and seventh thoracic vertebrae, was sustained during his qualifying attempt for the Toyota Indy 400 Fontana.

Darren underwent a follow up medical examination of his back with Dr. Terry Trammell on Monday, October 11. It is Dr. Trammell’s medical recommendation that while Darren’s injury is not considered serious and is healing quickly, in order to guarantee a fast and complete recovery, Darren must avoid any chance of a high-speed rear impact for a period of two more weeks. Dr. Trammell expects Darren to be fully recovered in a few weeks.

“Darren has a full range of movement and very little discomfort, but given the physical demands and high speeds experienced in this sport, it is my opinion that he should sit this one out and give it a chance to heal completely for a three-week period,” said Trammell.

“It is a shame to end the season in this manner,” said Darren of missing the last two races of the 2004 IRL season. “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. It’s a bit of a let down, but at the same time, I know that I have a lot to look forward to as the Target team prepares for the 2005 IndyCar Series season.”

Target Chip Ganassi will not be replacing Darren for the last race at Texas with the team preferring to concentrate all their 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 Target team owner Chip Ganassi. “Target Chip Ganassi Racing has the utmost confidence in his abilities and we are very much looking forward to having a very strong 2005 season with him as the driver of the no.10 Toyota G Force. Darren has nothing more to prove this year and we would certainly not want to take any undo risks with his health. We will not be putting another driver in the no.10 Toyota G Force in his place for this race as feel that it is unnecessary. Instead we will concentrate on the task at hand and help Scott Dixon and the no.1 Target car finish the season on a high note for the entire Target team.”

Darren will, however, still be involved in the Chevy 500K race, as he has been invited to participate in the LIVE ABC telecast from Texas Motor Speedway with hosts Paul Page, Scott Goodyear and Jack Arute. Darren expects to add some his personal insight and commentary from the Target pits of Scott Dixon and the no.1 Toyota G Force during the race.

Target fans can tune in to watch the Texas race on Sunday, October 17th. Throughout the 2004 season, fans are invited to follow the team’s progress by logging onto their official website at target.com/racing for news, features, photos and much more.