David Malukas topped the timing charts in a dramatic Friday practice session as the NTT IndyCar Series roared back to life after a month-long hiatus at World Wide Technology Raceway. The 22-year-old Meyer Shank Racing driver set the fastest lap with an impressive time of 25.1635 seconds, clocking an average speed of 178.830 MPH. Malukas, known for his prowess on ovals, showcased his skills once again, keeping his car on the edge of control to outpace the competition.
Colton Herta had set the early benchmark with a blazing lap, but Malukas’ late-session charge saw him narrowly best Herta by just 0.059 seconds. Herta settled for the second-fastest time, while Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin and Will Power secured third and fourth, respectively.
Championship leader Alex Palou, despite being burdened with a nine-position grid penalty for an engine change, managed the fifth-best time. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean impressed with sixth place in his new ride with Juncos Hollinger Racing, ahead of a solid showing from his teammate Conor Daly in 12th.
The session wasn’t without its challenges. Linus Lundqvist encountered an issue with his car’s hybrid system MGU, causing a brief stoppage on track. Although the Ganassi crew quickly resolved the problem, Lundqvist could only manage the 14th-fastest time.
Katherine Legge struggled at the back of the pack, leaving Dale Coyne Racing with work to do before the crucial two-lap qualifying session later this afternoon. The action-packed weekend at Gateway is set to continue with the 260-lap race on Saturday.
Photo from David Malukas Instagram
