ABC Supply Team Shakes Down at Local Houston Track


WALLER, Texas Feb. 21, 2008 – Darren Manning took his first laps in 2008 in the No. 14 ABC Supply Dallara/Honda yesterday at Houston Motorsports Ranch in Angleton. The team tested the new components mandated by the IndyCar Series officials over the winter.


The No. 14 was also fitted with a driver assist steering gear and paddle shift which makes it easier for the driver to handle the car around the twisty road and street circuits. The car was fitted with intrusion panels on both sides of the cockpit to strengthen that area and help prevent suspension pieces puncturing it which could injure the driver’s feet and legs.


“The test did what we wanted it to do,” said Manning. “We got the new equipment working like we wanted and were able to confirm our baseline set-ups. We also evaluated the new brake pad compounds and were able to run through some quick changes with our new engineer Mike Colliver.


“Mike had free rein and he worked well with A.J. and me. We all have similar philosophies but this prep before the first open test definitely helps establish the chemistry and shorten the learning curve. I feel good about getting the season started.”


Rain shortened the two-day test by half a day. Manning left Houston Wednesday evening to fly to Las Vegas for an appearance for sponsor ABC Supply on Thursday and Friday.