AJ Foyt Racing has revealed the shock signing of David Malukas to a multi-year deal starting with the 2025 IndyCar Sequence season.
Malukas, who doesn’t flip 23 years previous till subsequent month, will “drive considered one of” the group’s Chevrolet-powered entries, with no affirmation of the quantity or his team-mate.
“I’m extraordinarily excited to have the chance to hitch AJ Foyt Racing,” Malukas stated. “The group has carried out very properly this season and I can’t wait to get to work with them and immerse myself in that atmosphere.
“The historical past and success of each AJ Foyt Racing and AJ Foyt himself had been key components in my determination to hitch the group.
“Everybody is aware of that AJ is a legend and he was somebody whose identify I at all times heard rising up. To have the chance to work alongside him and drive for his group could be very particular.
“I’m beginning a brand new chapter in my IndyCar profession, and I’m keen to attain robust outcomes with AJ Foyt Racing.”
Chicago-born Malukas, whose household background is Lithuanian, began the 12 months with Arrow McLaren, having signed a multi-year deal final September. However he was left to observe the opening portion of this 12 months’s IndyCar season from the sidelines after sustaining torn ligaments in his left wrist from a mountain bike accident.
David Malukas, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Photograph by: Josh Tons / Motorsport Pictures
He was launched by Arrow McLaren in late April, having by no means made a begin with the group, 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 shall be an awesome addition to AJ Foyt Racing,” stated its group president Larry Foyt. “He’s a fierce competitor who possesses quite a lot of pure expertise.
“I feel David shall be an excellent match with our engineers and mechanics, and he shall be an vital issue as we proceed to ascend the IndyCar rankings.”
Malukas joins a resurgent group, which has seen the affect of technical director Michael Cannon and an alliance with Crew Penske elevate its ends in 2025.
Santino Ferrucci, driver of the group’s famed No. 14 entry, has impressed with seven high 10s and presently sits tenth within the championship standings.
Santino Ferrucci, A.J. Foyt Enterprises Chevrolet
Photograph by: Jake Galstad / Motorsport Pictures
Sting Ray Robb, who pilots the No. 41 automobile, has solely managed a greatest results of sixteenth, however it got here in his greatest exhibiting 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 group. The latest alliance with Crew Penske this season has clearly been helpful, and I need to ensure that we construct the proper atmosphere, not only for myself, however for the mechanics, engineers and everybody else who makes this all doable.
“Within the few years I’ve been in IndyCar, I’ve discovered {that a} robust group dynamic is essential for fulfillment. So long as we concentrate on constructing good chemistry, I’m assured that the outcomes will comply with.”
