KNARESBOROUGH racer Darren Manning has packed his overalls and helmet and headed to America in a bid to secure a drive in the sports car racing series.

Manning, who is a Formula One test driver for the British American Racing team, flew out to Florida today to talk to a number of teams about securing a drive in the endurance arm of motor racing.

Manning, a former pupil of King James' School, was hoping from this talks to get the chance to race in the prestigious Le Mans 24 hour endurance race.

While in Florida, Manning will also be watching a 12-hour race across the state on Saturday - with the possibility of even picking up a drive.

"I'll be packing my helmet and overalls in case anyone pulls out or doesn't show," he told the Evening Press. "It is a long race and a few drivers might not make it. With three drivers per team, there is every chance I could get to race.

"But I'll be mainly talking to a few teams about taking part in endurance racing."

As well as switching his attentions to endurance racing, Manning is also looking at the chance at signing up for the new Formula Nissan series which will launch this season.

Updated: 12:45 Tuesday, March 12, 2002