David Malukas will go away Meyer Shank Racing on the finish of the season to hitch A.J. Foyt Racing.
The 22-year-old will be part of the Chevrolet-powered squad on a multi-year deal, nonetheless group – which has a technical alliance with Workforce Penske – didn’t specify whether or not he’s earmarked for the No. 14 Chevy at present occupied by Santino Ferrucci, or the No. 41 Chevy pushed by Sting Ray Robb.
The transfer presents Malukas with the possibility to play a number one function inside an IndyCar group after studying the ropes for 2 seasons at Dale Coyne Racing from 2022-2023, signing with Arrow McLaren for 2024 however by no means racing for the group after struggling a pre-season wrist damage, after which capitalizing on a mid-season alternative to revive his profession at MSR after it parked rookie Tom Blomqvist.
“I’m extraordinarily excited to have the chance to hitch AJ Foyt Racing,” Malukas mentioned. “The group has carried out very nicely this season and I can’t wait to get to work with them and immerse myself in that surroundings. The historical past and success of each AJ Foyt Racing and A.J. Foyt himself had been key components in my determination to hitch the group.
“Everybody is aware of that A.J. is a legend and he was somebody whose identify I all the time heard rising up. To have the chance to work alongside him and drive for his group may be very particular. I’m beginning a brand new chapter in my IndyCar profession, and I’m keen to attain sturdy outcomes with AJ Foyt Racing.”
A key growth for the son of Midwest transport magnate Henry Malukas was being employed like another skilled driver. The Malukas household made it clear to groups that after bankrolling David’s developmental packages and first seasons in IndyCar, the funding wouldn’t proceed and he would must be paid for his expertise.
“David might be an important addition to AJ Foyt Racing,” mentioned group president Larry Foyt. “He’s a fierce competitor who possesses a substantial amount of pure expertise. I feel David might be a brilliant match with our engineers and mechanics, and he might be an essential issue as we proceed to ascend the IndyCar rankings.”
Malukas had a number of affords to select from, together with one to remain at MSR, which is anticipated to announce a brand new technical alignment with Chip Ganassi Racing, and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
“For me, the 2024 season was very chaotic and didn’t go to plan, so I’m wanting ahead to a brand new starting,” he mentioned. “I’m largely wanting ahead to being part of such a particular group. The latest alliance with Workforce Penske this season has clearly been helpful, and I need to make sure that we construct the fitting surroundings, not only for myself, however for the mechanics, engineers and everybody else who makes this all doable. Within the few years I’ve been in IndyCar, I’ve discovered {that a} sturdy group dynamic is essential for achievement. So long as we give attention to constructing good chemistry, I’m assured that the outcomes will observe.”
