AJ Foyt Racing has announced the surprising signing of David Malukas to a multi-year contract that may run through the 2025 IndyAutomobile Series season.
Malukas, who will turn 23 next month, will “drive one of” the team’s Chevrolet-powered cars, although neither the number nor the name of his team-mate have been confirmed.
“I am extremely excited to join AJ Foyt Racing,” said Malukas. “The team has performed thoroughly this season and I can’t wait to start with them and immerse myself on this environment.
“The history and success of each the AJ Foyt Racing team and AJ Foyt himself were key aspects in my decision to affix the team.
“Everyone knows AJ is a legend and he’s someone I’ve at all times heard growing up. To give you the chance to work with him and lead his team is something special.
“I’m starting a new chapter in my IndyCar career and I’m looking forward to achieving good results with AJ Foyt Racing.”
Born in Chicago, Malukas, whose family has Lithuanian roots, began the yr at Arrow McLaren, signing a multi-year contract last September. However, he was forced to look at the primary a part of this yr’s IndyAutomobile season from the sidelines after tearing ligaments in his left wrist in a mountain bike accident.
David Malukas, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Photo: Josh Tons / Motorsports images
He was released by Arrow McLaren in late April after never making a first-team appearance for the team and subsequently signed with Meyer Shank Racing, with whom he was as a consequence of return to the track in June.
His fast pace was evident as he qualified in the highest 12 in 4 of the last five races, including a powerful sixth place on the Streets of Toronto.
“David will be a great addition to AJ Foyt Racing,” said team president Larry Foyt. “He is a fierce competitor who has a ton of natural talent.
“I think David will be a great fit with our engineering and mechanics team and will be a key factor in our continued climb up the IndyCar rankings.”
Malukas joins a resurgent team that has been positioned to enhance in 2025 due to the influence of technical director Michael Cannon and an alliance with Team Penske.
Santino Ferrucci, driver of the famous No. 14 automotive, impressed his rivals with seven top-ten finishes and currently ranks tenth within the championship standings.
Santino Ferrucci, AJ Foyt Enterprises Chevrolet
Photo: Jake Galstad / Motorsports images
Sting Ray Robb, co-driver of the No. 41 automotive, finished only sixteenth, but it surely was his best result – he led for 23 laps within the Indianapolis 500.
“For me, the 2024 season was very chaotic and didn’t go as planned, so I’m looking forward to a fresh start,” said Malukas, the 2021 Indy NXT Runner-up.
“I’m most excited to affix such a special team. The recent alliance with Team Penske this season has clearly been useful and I need to make sure that we construct the correct environment, not just for myself, but additionally for the mechanics, engineers and everybody else who makes all of it possible.
“Over the years I've been in IndyCar, I've found that a strong team dynamic is key to success. As long as we focus on building good chemistry, I'm confident the results will follow.”
