The Foyt Racing team announced Tuesday that it has signed British driver Darren Manning to drive the No. 14 ABC Supply Dallara-Honda in the IRL IndyCar Series next year. Team owner A.J. Foyt’s son Larry will serve as Team Director for Foyt’s 50th year in Indy car racing.

“I’m excited about returning to the IRL with A.J.’s team,” said Manning, 31, who drove for Britain in the A1 Grand Prix Series this year after being dropped by Target Chip Ganassi’s IndyCar squad midway through 2005.

“Now everyone is running the same engines and mostly the same chassis, so the playing field is more equal,” he added. “Plus, I have a lot of respect for A.J., and his team is putting a lot of effort into making next year one of their best. I think I can bring some good things to this team”