David Malukas, the 24-year-old IndyCar driver, publicly commemorated his late grandmother on Instagram this Monday, sharing a heartfelt tribute that reflects his deep family roots. Born and raised in America as a first-generation son of Lithuanian immigrants, Malukas honored his heritage while remembering the woman who helped shape his resilience and spirit.
Remembering a Cherished Grandmother Through Family Heritage
David Malukas’ parents, Henry and Daiva Malukas, originally emigrated from Lithuania to the United States in 1991 during the collapse of the Soviet Union. The young couple, then aged 22 and 23, arrived with limited knowledge of America, having only glimpsed it through films like Rambo and Karate Kid. In a 2022 interview with IndyCar, Henry described immigrating as surpassing a mere dream and becoming a tangible example of the American dream.
Together, Henry and Daiva built a successful trucking business named HMD Trucking Company. Their entrepreneurial spirit later extended to motorsports through HMD Motorsports, a team competing in Indy NXT, the stepping stone to the IndyCar series where their son, David, has flourished. It is within this racing environment that David Malukas has pursued his own path toward the American dream.
On Monday, Malukas posted a series of photographs on Instagram capturing moments with his grandmother throughout her life. Accompanying the images, he wrote,
Image of: David Malukas
“Rest in peace, močiuté. Thank you for teaching me to dance through the hard times in life. I’ll love you forever. Give grandpa a hug for me,”
Malukas wrote in the caption.
Močiuté is the Lithuanian term for grandmother, underlining David’s connection to his family’s origins.
Despite spending his entire life in the United States, David Malukas proudly maintains his Lithuanian cultural identity. In the 2022 IndyCar interview, he expressed his ongoing ties, saying,
“I still am true to my Lithuanian roots. I love it. I’m always in the culture. My parents celebrate Lithuanian holidays, and we still have many Lithuanian friends. I do identify as an American citizen, but I do still have those true Lithuanian roots.”
A Defining 2026 Season Looms for David Malukas in IndyCar
Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for David Malukas’ racing career. After three seasons with AJ Foyt Racing, he will move to the prestigious Team Penske to replace Will Power, who is heading to Andretti Global. This shift places Malukas under significant pressure to prove himself within a team famous for nurturing champions.
Will Power’s legacy with Team Penske is remarkable: two IndyCar championships, including the 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory, 45 race wins, and a record 71 pole positions. In contrast, Malukas enters Team Penske with only two career podium finishes and no race wins so far. However, his recent performances, especially a runner-up finish at the 109th Indy 500 and strong qualifying results on oval tracks, demonstrate his growing potential.
Malukas’ promotion to Team Penske represents an important opportunity but also a significant challenge, as he must match or exceed the high standards set by past drivers led by Roger Penske. His 2025 season was the most successful of his career to date, laying a hopeful foundation for his upcoming endeavors at the helm of one of IndyCar’s top teams.
From Family Roots to Racing Ambitions: The Significance of Malukas’ Journey
The tribute to his grandmother highlights how family values, cultural heritage, and personal loss remain central to David Malukas’ motivation in racing. His story—from the immigration journey of his parents Henry and Daiva to his rise within IndyCar—illustrates the fusion of determination and loyalty that shapes his identity both on and off the track.
As Malukas prepares for the demanding 2026 season, this personal milestone serves as a reminder of the resilience taught by his grandmother and his family’s immigrant story. With the eyes of the racing world on him, he is poised to tackle this next chapter with the same passion and commitment reflected in his tribute.
