The latest move in the ever expanding chaos of the IndyCar driver market has seen David Malukas announced as a AJ Foyt Racing driver having signed a multi-year contract with the Texas-based team for 2025 and beyond.
This makes Foyt the fourth team Malukas will be part of in a two year period, adding to a list that includes Dale Coyne Racing, Arrow McLaren and his current team Meyer Shank Racing.
Starting from 2025, Malukas will be ‘one of the team’s NTT INDYCAR Series Chevrolet-powered Dallaras’ , in what he described as “a great opportunity for a new beginning”.
“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to join AJ Foyt Racing,” Malukas said. “The team has performed very well this season and I can’t wait to get to work with them and immerse myself in that environment.”
The whirlwind year for Malukas, was kickstarted by an injury sustained in a biking accident that saw his dream opportunity with McLaren slip away, as the 22-year-old was forced to sit on the sidelines having torn ligaments in his left wrist.
When he ended up being relieved from his duties at McLaren, Meyer Shank were the team to take a chance on Malukas, putting him in the 66 car ‘for the remainder of the 2024 IndyCar season’.
The 2021 INDY NXT by Firestone Vice-Champion impressed on his return to the series, making the fast 12 in four of his past five races, which has been enough for AJ Foyt to sign him up for the foreseeable future.
“For me, the 2024 season was very chaotic and did not go to plan, so I am looking forward to a new beginning. I am mostly looking forward to being a part of such a special team.”
Team President and son of the Legendary AJ Foyt, Larry Foyt is excited to see Malukas bring his skills to the table for the ever improving Foyt outfit.
“David will be a great addition to AJ Foyt Racing,” said Larry Foyt. “He is a fierce competitor who possesses a great deal of natural talent. I think David will be a super fit with our engineers and mechanics, and he will be an important factor as we continue to ascend the IndyCar rankings.”
That is exactly what they have done over the past season as a technical alliance with Penske has seen the team skyrocket up the standings, with the driver of the historic 14 car Santino Ferrucci achieving seven top 10 finishes, and currently finds himself tenth in the championship points standings.
The connection with Penske is another thing that convinced Malukas to sign with Foyt as it undoubtedly opens up a realm of opportunities if his stint with the team is to be a success.
“The recent alliance with Team Penske this season has clearly been beneficial, and I want to be sure that we build the right environment, not just for myself, but for the mechanics, engineers and everyone else who makes this all possible.”
