Manning lands ride with Dreyer & Reinbold for St. Pete

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing announced that IndyCar Series veteran Darren Manning will drive the No. 23 Honda-powered Dallara in the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

"We are excited to be able to put a deal together, even though it is last minute, to run Darren Manning at St. Petersburg," team co-owner Dennis Reinbold said. "He's a really talented driver that will be a great teammate for (rookie) Mike (Conway) and can round out our two-car effort as we continue to build for the 2009 season."

Manning has 25 top-10 finishes in 58 IndyCar Series starts, most recently with A.J. Foyt Racing. In 2008, he posted seven top 10s in 17 races with a best of second at Watkins Glen. More at IndyCar.com