David Joseph Malukas Bio
David Joseph Malukas (born September 27, 2001) is an American professional racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He drives the No. 12 Chevrolet for Team Penske and has previously raced for A.J. Foyt Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, and Dale Coyne Racing.
Early Life and Background
David Malukas was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA. His parents emigrated from Telšiai, Lithuania, shortly after the country regained independence from the Soviet Union. Although Malukas is a United States citizen, he honors his Lithuanian heritage by marking his cars with the Lithuanian flag. He gained early exposure to racing through karting and was featured in the Kart Life TV series in 2015, which showcased young kart racers.
Path to NASCAR
Malukas began his open-wheel racing career in the Formula 4 UAE Championship in 2016 and early 2017, finishing sixth despite not contesting the full season. He then competed in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship in 2017, finishing nineteenth. In 2017, he also raced in the U.S. F2000 National Championship, securing a pole position and podium finish at Road America. His progression through these developmental series laid the foundation for his move to higher levels of open-wheel racing.
David Joseph Malukas Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
In 2018, Malukas advanced to the Pro Mazda Championship with BN Racing, achieving three wins and six podiums to finish fourth in the championship. This marked his first significant success in a national-level series. His performance demonstrated his potential and readiness for more competitive racing environments.
Indy Lights Breakthrough (2019, 2021)
Malukas stepped up to the Indy Lights series in 2019 with BN Racing, which was later acquired by his father and rebranded as HMD Motorsports. He earned two podiums at Circuit of the Americas and Gateway Motorsports Park. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he returned in 2021 with HMD Motorsports. That year, he secured his maiden pole position and first win at Barber Motorsports Park. He finished second in the championship behind Kyle Kirkwood, recording six poles, sixteen podiums, and seven wins, marking his most impressive season to date.
Dale Coyne Racing Era (2022–2023)
Malukas joined Dale Coyne Racing in partnership with HMD Motorsports for the 2022 IndyCar Series season. He achieved his first IndyCar podium at Gateway, finishing second after a close battle with Josef Newgarden. In 2023, he continued with the team, starting the season strong with multiple top-ten finishes, including a fourth place at Texas Motor Speedway. Despite some setbacks and mechanical issues, he secured another podium at Gateway and finished the season with consistent performances.
Meyer Shank Racing and A.J. Foyt Racing (2024–2025)
In 2024, Malukas signed with Meyer Shank Racing, replacing Tom Blomqvist mid-season and competing in the No. 66 car for the remainder of the year. Earlier, he had signed a multi-year contract with Arrow McLaren but was sidelined by a wrist injury and subsequently released. For the 2025 season, Malukas joined A.J. Foyt Racing on a multi-year deal. He finished second at the Indianapolis 500 and qualified second for the Detroit Grand Prix, showcasing his growing competitiveness in the series.
Team Penske Era (2026–Present)
David Malukas was announced as the replacement for Will Power at Team Penske starting in 2026 under a multi-year agreement. This move to one of IndyCar’s top teams marks a significant step in his career, positioning him among the sport’s elite drivers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Malukas is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, excelling on road and street circuits. His racecraft and qualifying speed have improved steadily, aided by strong partnerships with his teams and crew chiefs. He has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, recovering from setbacks and mechanical failures to secure strong finishes.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key moments in Malukas’ career include his first IndyCar podium at Gateway in 2022, a second-place finish at the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 2025, and multiple pole positions and wins in Indy Lights. His performances at challenging circuits like Barber Motorsports Park and Texas Motor Speedway highlight his capability to compete at the highest level.
David Joseph Malukas Career Wins
David Malukas has accumulated several wins across developmental series, including seven victories in Indy Lights and three wins in the Pro Mazda Championship. While he has yet to secure a win in the IndyCar Series, his podium finishes and qualifying performances indicate his potential for future victories.
Indy Lights Highlights
Malukas’ seven wins in Indy Lights came during the 2021 season, where he also earned six poles and sixteen podiums. His first win was at Barber Motorsports Park, and he finished second in the championship standings that year, marking a career-best performance.
Other Wins & Performances
In the Pro Mazda Championship, Malukas secured three wins and six podiums in 2018, finishing fourth overall. His consistent performances in lower formula series helped build the foundation for his ascent to IndyCar.
David Joseph Malukas Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Malukas’ family emigrated from Lithuania to the United States in 1991. His father, Henry Malukas, is involved in motorsports and acquired BN Racing’s Indy Lights operation, establishing HMD Motorsports, which has supported David’s racing career. This family involvement has been instrumental in his development as a driver.
Personal Life
David Malukas maintains a private personal life. He honors his Lithuanian heritage through his racing but has not pursued Lithuanian citizenship. He was featured in the Kart Life TV series in 2015, which highlighted his early karting career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Malukas competed full-time with A.J. Foyt Racing. He delivered strong performances, including a runner-up finish at the Indianapolis 500 and a front-row start at the Detroit Grand Prix. These results underscored his growth and readiness to compete with top-tier teams. His move to Team Penske for 2026 is anticipated to further elevate his career trajectory.
