David Malukas looks to break through at Arrow McLaren this season (Photo: Sierra Allmon | The Podium Finish).
Over the past decade, Dale Coyne Racing has been known for having gems strapped behind the wheel of their Indy cars.
Whether it be the career resurgences of Justin Wilson and Sebastien Bourdais or the arrivals of Santino Ferrucci and Alex Palou, each have created memories for the organization.
Heading into a critical year for the sport, David Malukas hopes to become the next Coyne alumni who has gone onto greener pastures in INDYCAR.
Known as “Lil’ Dave” due to his quirky personality, Malukas is one of 10 drivers who will be driving for a different team, as he will pilot the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. This coveted ride was previously held by Felix Rosenqvist, who is now driving Meyer Shank Racing’s No. 60 Honda.
Following a disappointing winless 2023 campaign in which they were expected to be on par with Chip Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren looks to get back to their winning ways. The organization brought fast cars but were unable to able seal the deal when it counted most.
Last year, Pato O’Ward and Alexander Rossi were two of four 2022 winners who failed to reach the top step of the podium in 2023.
Both men are now Malukas’ new teammates and thus far, have kept the fun vibes alive as noted by the team’s social media accounts and even Christmas cards to close colleagues, friends, and family.
“I’m glowing. Anywhere I go, it’s just papaya,” Malukas on being a part of Arrow McLaren. “You can see it in your peripheral vision. It actually changes the way you see things.
“Like you know when you were a kid and everything seemed a little bit brighter, I feel like putting the papaya on, I have that same brightness back.”
When it comes to business, brightness is the word. The organization’s will to win speaks volumes and it is no different for Malukas, who is still looking for his maiden INDYCAR win.
In 34 previous starts, Malukas has scored nine top-10s and two podiums, which took place at Gateway Motorsports Park in each of the last two seasons.
“They’re competitive. They want to be up front, they want to get wins, they want to get podiums, and they want to compete with the best and be the best,” said Malukas. “Going into this season those will also be my goals. Going into it, yes, of course, I will be new, and it will take time to adjust. We have had a lot of testing, and I think by the time this season starts, we should be where we want to be.”
Despite some flashes of brilliance, especially on the ovals, Malukas had a rather down sophomore campaign.
Aside from top-10 finishes, every category took a downturn, including five retirements in a six-race span. Four of those came in succession with crashes preventing him from seeing the finish.
Things certainly started to click for Malukas at DCR with a third at Gateway and five more top-10s showcasing his potential. Sometimes in INDYCAR, for a racer who strives to be among the sport’s elite squads, solid results with teams who do not match the budget of a McLaren or Ganassi comes a long way.
Malukas finished 17th in the 2023 INDYCAR standings with Dale Coyne Racing w/ HMD Motorsports (Photo: Luis Torres | The Podium Finish).
At 22 years old, Malukas knows his third year will be important for his growth and development as a driver. With the now retired Tony Kanaan assisting him, the transition has been smooth.
“They have a lot of resources, but also have really good teammates of Pato and Rossi,” said Malukas. “I still have some time to learn, and it is the perfect place to make sure that for my skills and to get the maximum out of my potential, this is the place to be.”
Furthermore, these changes have led to Malukas approaching his new home differently, including his presence in the shop. He is doing anything that can mold him into a contender and be on par with Palou, who at one point was considered for the No. 6 Chevrolet before those plans fell through.
“I want to be there for the guys,” said Malukas. “I want to already start building relationships, building that chemistry before the season starts, and just trying to get in and help and be with the content crew, get to know everybody from my side looking at onboards and different — anything that I can just to make sure that, by the time the season starts, I will be as ready as I can be so we can get those performances going as soon as possible.”
Such an opportunity to be on a top ride is not taken for granted, as Malukas will now get to prove his worth on his own. After years of working his way up the INDYCAR ladder with the family organization, HMD Motorsports, Malukas can now focus on driving – his way.
No matter what unfolds in 2024 and beyond, the family will still live the racing dream.
“I had a conversation with my parents, and they were very happy, but at the same time, it was interesting,” Malukas on moving on from the family backed entity. “It was a bit weird because it was almost like I was also doing another meeting. They were just like, ‘Well, if you stay with us, we could do this.’”
“It was kind of weird because it’s my parents, but at the same time, we’re having a conversation about business. It was weird, but it was interesting. Everybody is very happy and excited. My dad (Henry Malukas) can achieve his dream of having HMD in the ladder series, and I get to achieve my dream of being an INDYCAR driver.”
