KNARESBOROUGH-born racer Darren Manning is poised to take on the best from America in the CART FedEx series at Rockingham on September 13 and 14.

Manning, a former King James' School pupil, has been named in the All-English Team St George to face the American stars of Champ Car racing at the Northants circuit - the only banked oval track in Britain.

And 27-year-old Manning, widely regarded as one of Britain's best motor racing rising stars and with a race winning record this year in the 170mph 'Days of Thunder-style' ASCAR saloon car oval racing series, will lead the English Lions.

Team St George is supported by the RAC and Manning will drive a Lola-single-seat car, powered by a Ford-Cosworth engine built and prepared by a team run by Ray Mallock Ltd.

"It's something special, a dream come true" said Manning. "To drive a Champ Car is a dream in itself, it's really got some horsepower.

"But the special thing here is to be a part of Team St George. I'm a big football fan and I've carried my St George's cross with pride for Team England.

"Now we've got the chance to do the same in motor racing. It's a fantastic feeling to be in the middle of all that - and the thought of seeing all those grandstands at Rockingham full of England flags on September 14 will be pretty awesome."

Manning's appointment was enthusiastically endorsed by former Formula One driver and Le Mans race winner Johnny Herbert, who himself was tipped by many insiders for the drive.

"I think its great for Darren and he'll to a great job for Team St George," said Herbert.

"About ten years ago, I was given my first big break in Formula One by Lotus, which was a very English team.

"I know the pride Darren will feel at being selected by Team St George. I'll be at Rockingham on September 14 cheering him on and I know that there'll be a lot of others there too, to cheer him on."

Manning has already covered nearly 200 miles of shakedown running with the Team St George car. This included the all-important CART 'Rookie Test', a mandatory 100-mile run.

Manning will face a tough challenge, not only to beat CART Championship leader Cristiano da Matta of Brazil, but also legendary names such as Michael Andretti and Christian Fittipaldi, but he's optimistic.

"I'm up for it" added Manning. "Yes, I've got to learn the car, but I feel confident already and I'm determined to be out there, in the thick of it."

Updated: 10:34 Saturday, September 07, 2002