Currently driving the No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, Malukas has been offered a multi-year contract to remain with the team. However, he also has other options within the NTT IndyCar Series paddock. Despite facing some challenges and making a few mistakes, Malukas has shown impressive speed in qualifying and has been in contention for strong finishes. His sixth-place finish at the recent race in Toronto was his best result so far with the Ohio-based team. Malukas is grateful to Jim Meyer and Mike Shank for revitalizing his career and providing him with new opportunities after being dropped by Arrow McLaren in April.
Reflecting on his performance, Malukas admits that the results have been average. He acknowledges making some errors as he returns to racing and admits to feeling inconsistent. However, he is pleased with the progress made in Toronto and is proud to have survived the challenges. He attributes his success to the support he received from those around him.
Malukas explains that he initially had doubts about his ability to perform at the same level after his injury. Many people warned him that he would never be the same and that there would be significant risks involved. However, he was determined to prove them wrong. Despite experiencing pain in his wrist during the Laguna Seca race, he pushed through and was on track for a top 10 finish until a flat tire derailed his progress. The following race at Mid-Ohio saw him qualify in third place, reaffirming his skills and dispelling any doubts about his abilities.
One aspect that Malukas particularly enjoys is performing on road courses and street circuits. In the past, he felt that he was labeled as an oval specialist while he believed he had more to offer on different types of tracks. Being part of the MSR team has allowed him to showcase his abilities on road courses and street circuits, and he is pleased that people are starting to recognize his skillset.
Overall, Malukas is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be back in a race car this season. He admits that if he had to sit out for an entire season, he would have been plagued with doubts about his future. The support from Michael Shank and Jim Meyer has been instrumental in saving his career, and he acknowledges that he wouldn’t be where he is today without them.
Photo from David Malukas Instagram
