AJ Foyt Racing has revealed the shock signing of David Malukas to a multi-year deal starting with the 2025 IndyCar Collection season.
Malukas, who doesn’t flip 23 years outdated till subsequent month, will “drive considered one of” the crew’s Chevrolet-powered entries, with no affirmation of the quantity or his team-mate.
“I’m extraordinarily excited to have the chance to affix AJ Foyt Racing,” Malukas stated. “The crew has carried out very effectively this season and I can’t wait to get to work with them and immerse myself in that surroundings.
“The historical past and success of each AJ Foyt Racing and AJ Foyt himself had been key components in my choice to affix the crew.
“Everybody is aware of that AJ is a legend and he was somebody whose identify I all the time heard rising up. To have the chance to work alongside him and drive for his crew may be very particular.
“I’m beginning a brand new chapter in my IndyCar profession, and I’m keen to realize sturdy outcomes with AJ Foyt Racing.”
Chicago-born Malukas, whose household background is Lithuanian, began the yr with Arrow McLaren, having signed a multi-year deal final September. However he was left to observe the opening portion of this yr’s IndyCar season from the sidelines after sustaining torn ligaments in his left wrist from a mountain bike accident.
David Malukas, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Picture by: Josh Tons / Motorsport Pictures
He was launched by Arrow McLaren in late April, having by no means made a begin with the crew, after which signed with Meyer Shank Racing for his on-track return in June.
Robust tempo has been evident as he has certified within the high 12 in 4 of his final 5 races, whereas additionally scoring a formidable sixth-place end on the Streets of Toronto.
“David will probably be an ideal addition to AJ Foyt Racing,” stated its crew president Larry Foyt. “He’s a fierce competitor who possesses an excessive amount of pure expertise.
“I believe David will probably be a brilliant match with our engineers and mechanics, and he will probably be an necessary issue as we proceed to ascend the IndyCar rankings.”
Malukas joins a resurgent crew, which has seen the affect of technical director Michael Cannon and an alliance with Group Penske elevate its ends in 2025.
Santino Ferrucci, driver of the crew’s famed No. 14 entry, has impressed with seven high 10s and at present sits tenth within the championship standings.
Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Enterprises Chevrolet
Picture by: Jake Galstad / Motorsport Pictures
Sting Ray Robb, who pilots the No. 41 automotive, has solely managed a finest results of sixteenth, nevertheless it got here in his finest displaying after main 23 laps within the Indianapolis 500.
“For me, the 2024 season was very chaotic and didn’t go to plan, so I’m wanting ahead to a brand new starting,” stated Malukas, the 2021 Indy NXT runner-up.
“I’m largely wanting ahead to being part of such a particular crew. The current alliance with Group Penske this season has clearly been useful, and I need to make certain that we construct the precise surroundings, not only for myself, however for the mechanics, engineers and everybody else who makes this all attainable.
“Within the few years I’ve been in IndyCar, I’ve discovered {that a} sturdy crew dynamic is essential for achievement. So long as we deal with constructing good chemistry, I’m assured that the outcomes will comply with.”
