David Malukas, set to compete in the Good Racher 250 at Phoenix Raceway, claimed his first-ever IndyCar pole position ahead of his second race driving the prestigious No. 12 Verizon Penske car. The 24-year-old rookie will start alongside his experienced teammate Josef Newgarden, a two-time IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner. As Malukas steps into one of the most iconic seats in racing, he embraces both the challenge and the pressure that come with representing Team Penske.
Malukas’s Journey Through Multiple Teams Shapes His Drive
The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Malukas has traveled a winding road through IndyCar before landing this valuable ride. His career started with multiple race teams, ranging from Dale Coyne Racing to stints with Arrow McLaren, Meyer Shank, and most recently AJ Foyt Racing. These experiences have provided him broad insights into the sport, contributing to his growth and ultimate success in earning his place at Penske.
Reflecting on his diverse background, Malukas shared,
“From all these different teams that I’ve had and different experiences from IndyCar, if it’s from Honda, if that be from Andretti, and all these things, I think I can bring a perspective of how is Team Penske compared to all these other cars,”
Malukas told Road & Track.
“I feel like it’s a lot of information and data that I have stored in there.”
Joining a Seasoned and Established Penske Team
Malukas enters a stable Penske lineup that has not changed since Scott McLaughlin’s arrival as a rookie in 2021. This season marks McLaughlin’s fifth year with the team and Newgarden’s tenth, coinciding with Penske’s 50-year milestone as a racing powerhouse. Together, these drivers create a blend of youth and experience that appears promising for the 2026 season.
Discussing his role within the team, Malukas expressed,
“From my side, it’s trying to control the youth in me, right? Not getting too anxious or making these aggressive, exciting moves, keeping things under control so we can have that consistency. I feel like having that balance in the team between me, Josef, and Scott, I think it’s going to be working really well. And I think so far after St. Pete, the way things are meshing and connecting, I think it’s strong, and I think we’re going to carry that on for the rest of 2026.”
Stepping Into Will Power’s Legendary Role
Malukas replaces Will Power, who had driven the No. 12 car for Team Penske since 2009. Malukas recalls watching Power dominate on track as a child, inspiring his own ambitions.
“This is who I grew up watching on TV,”
Malukas said.
“This is the person who got me IndyCar. I mean, the name itself, Will Power, right? I mean, it’s incredible. I can’t believe it.”
His rookie encounters with Power on the track helped reinforce that his own position in the sport was legitimate and hard-earned.
He remembers vividly,
“For me, I remember actually doing an interview way back when I first did my first IndyCar race, saying ‘I did my first practice session at St. Pete, and Will Power was passing on the outside,’ and I just couldn’t believe it, I’m actually racing side by side with Will Power.”
Though Malukas’s debut ended early due to a crash, Power still finished third on the podium that day.
Determined to Build and Sustain His Own Legacy
Now driving the same historic Verizon Chevrolet No. 12 car, Malukas is motivated to forge his own legacy at Team Penske. He acknowledges that success will require sustained effort and focus.
“Fast forward a few more years, and dreams are still coming true. I get to say that now I can create my own legacy in the historic Verizon Chevrolet No. 12. I mean, so many dreams are coming true, but for me, with everything coming together, it’s a lot of that hard work starts now. I’ve never tried so hard in my life to become the best driver I can because I want my name to be written across this team.”
Emphasizing his commitment, he stated,
“I’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s really hard work to make sure that we can stay here and not just stay here, but to be remembered.”
This determination underpins Malukas’s pursuit of excellence as he competes alongside some of the sport’s most accomplished drivers, guided by the leadership of team owner Roger Penske.
Outlook for Malukas and Team Penske’s Future
David Malukas’s rise to a top-tier IndyCar seat signals a new chapter for both the driver and Team Penske. With his extensive experience across multiple teams now channeled into this opportunity, Malukas brings fresh energy and ambition to a program aiming for continued dominance. His progress will be closely watched as he competes on ovals like Phoenix Raceway and street circuits in the coming season, where consistency and maturity will be key.
Balancing youthful enthusiasm with the demands of a team steeped in tradition, Malukas’s trajectory embodies the evolving nature of IndyCar’s next generation of stars. His success could further elevate Team Penske’s legacy, while also inspiring other drivers navigating the challenges of professional racing careers.
