David Malukas says “I feel like I have a connection with the ovals” ahead of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway.
The Dale Coyne Racing driver has performed admirably on ovals, scoring his maiden Indycar podium at Gateway last year and a P4 finish at Texas earlier this season.
“I feel very comfortable on them, especially having a teammate like Takuma Sato for my first year.
“He is extremely comfortable with ovals, so I’m not at that level yet, but I was able to have a good teacher to get going, and our car is very good on short ovals.
“Coming from this season, we’ve had ups and downs, but thankfully our short oval car has stayed there.”
Malukas also said to Pit Debrief and other media outlets that he is eagerly anticipating his return to the Illinois circuit, despite some potential added pressure after his strong drive a year ago.
“Things are looking up for Gateway but it’s also a little bit of pressure being put down because it was a really good performance last year, so you have to come in and try to replicate it.
“Either way, though, I’m very excited. I think we have a good opportunity to do something.”
Malukas graduated to IndyCar last year and drove alongside two time Indy 500 winner Sato in 2022 at Dale Coyne.
The Japanese driver is very proficient on ovals, taking multiple victories on that type of track, including the two at the 500. Malukas praised his former team mate and the wealth of knowledge Sato passed on in response to a question from Pit Debrief.
“It helped a lot. Takuma was I think one of the perfect teammates to have to start off for my first season.
“He gave me so much information when it came to little things that you learn from INDYCAR that no other series has taught me even because from the jump, from Indy NXT to INDYCAR is still big, and from pit stops to hitting your marks and little strategies that he uses; obviously all that information helped a tonne to get me going.”
Photo credit: Penske Entertainment | Chris Jones
The season is drawing towards its conclusion with three rounds remaining. Marcus Ericsson switched from Chip Ganassi to Andretti for 2024, a seismic shift at the front of the field.
Malukas remained coy when asked about his future but said he’s feeling confident about his future. Rumours suggest the fourth season at Andretti is a possibility, but time will tell where he ends up.
“I’m 100 percent confident. I don’t have any anxiety or any of that stuff. I think next year is looking very strong, it looks very good. I don’t know much about what I can say here or there, but all I can say is that it looks very good.”
