Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Malukas

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 19, 2026

Discover the career path of David Malukas, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

David Malukas is a professional racing driver of Lithuanian descent who has established himself in the American open-wheel racing scene. He gained prominence in the Road to Indy ladder system, finishing as the runner-up in the 2021 Indy Lights championship. This success propelled him to the NTT IndyCar Series, where he debuted in 2022 with Dale Coyne Racing. Known for his aggressive driving style and impressive speed on oval tracks, Malukas quickly became recognized as one of the standout young talents in the series. Following his tenure with Coyne, he joined Arrow McLaren in 2024. Despite facing challenges such as injury-related setbacks, Malukas remains a notable competitor in IndyCar, consistently striving to establish himself as a front-running driver in one of the world's most competitive open-wheel racing series.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2015: Appearance in Kart Life TV series

In 2015, David Malukas was showcased as one of the featured drivers in the television series 'Kart Life,' which offered viewers an inside look at the competitive life of young kart racers.

2016: Entry into Formula 4 UAE Championship

Starting in 2016, David Malukas began competing in the Formula 4 UAE Championship representing the team Rasgaira Motorsports.

2017: U.S. F2000 National Championship Participation

In 2017, David Malukas competed in the U.S. F2000 National Championship for BN Racing, where he achieved pole position and a second-place podium finish during the first race at Road America.

2017: ADAC Formula 4 Debut with Motopark

In 2017, David Malukas transitioned into the ADAC Formula 4 championship, driving for the team Motopark. Over the course of the 2017 season, he gained professional racing experience and concluded the championship ranked in nineteenth place.

2017: Completion of Formula 4 UAE Campaign

In the early part of 2017, Malukas concluded his partial season in the Formula 4 UAE Championship, successfully securing a sixth-place finish in the overall standings.

2018: 2018 Pro Mazda Championship Season

In 2018, David Malukas transitioned to the Pro Mazda Championship driving for BN Racing, where he achieved three race wins and six podium finishes, ultimately securing fourth place in the championship standings.

2019: Transition to Indy Lights and Founding of HMD Motorsports

In 2019, David Malukas advanced in the Road to Indy ladder to compete in the Indy Lights series for BN Racing. During August of that same year, his father, Henry Malukas, purchased the Indy Lights operations of BN Racing to establish a new team known as HMD Motorsports, while David achieved podium finishes at the Circuit of the Americas and Gateway Motorsports Park.

2020: Return to racing hiatus

In 2020, David Malukas experienced a period away from the racing series before planning his subsequent return to competition.

2020: Cancellation of 2020 Racing Season

In 2020, David Malukas was slated to participate in the racing series, but the entire season was ultimately cancelled as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Formula Regional Americas Championship Participation

In 2020, following the cancellation of the Indy Lights season, David Malukas competed in the Formula Regional Americas Championship for HMD Motorsports, securing two victories and fifteen podium finishes to end the year second in the standings.

December 15, 2021: Full-Time IndyCar Ride Announcement

On December 15, 2021, it was announced that David Malukas would pilot the No. 18 car full-time for the Dale Coyne Racing and HMD Motorsports partnership for the 2022 IndyCar Series.

2021: Breakout season with HMD Motorsports

During the 2021 season, Malukas competed with HMD Motorsports, securing his first pole position at Barber Motorsports Park and his maiden series win. Throughout 2021, he recorded seven wins, sixteen podiums, and six poles, ultimately finishing second in the championship standings behind Kyle Kirkwood.

2022: Joined Dale Coyne Racing

David Malukas began his tenure driving for Dale Coyne Racing in the IndyCar Series in 2022.

2022: 2022 IndyCar Series Highlights

Throughout the 2022 IndyCar season, Malukas achieved several career milestones, including his first top-ten finish at Mid-Ohio, a career-best qualifying position in Toronto, and his inaugural podium finish with a second-place result at Gateway.

September 8, 2023: Signed to Arrow McLaren

On September 8, 2023, David Malukas officially signed a multi-year contract to drive the No. 6 car for Arrow McLaren starting in the 2024 season.

2023: David Malukas' 2023 IndyCar Campaign Summary

During the 2023 IndyCar season, David Malukas completed his second campaign with Dale Coyne Racing, experiencing a mix of competitive highlights and mechanical setbacks. Notable results included a top-ten finish at the St. Petersburg opener, a fourth-place finish at the PPG 375, and a podium finish of third place at Gateway. Despite challenges such as mechanical failures at Nashville and a crash at Laguna Seca, he displayed resilience with several recovery drives throughout the year.

2023: Continued with Dale Coyne Racing

Throughout 2023, David Malukas continued his professional racing career competing for Dale Coyne Racing.

April 29, 2024: Released by Arrow McLaren

Due to complications from a wrist injury and an uncertain recovery timeline, David Malukas was released from his contract with Arrow McLaren on April 29, 2024, after having missed the first four races of the season.

June 7, 2024: Return to IndyCar with Meyer Shank Racing

On June 7, 2024, it was officially announced that David Malukas would return to the IndyCar Series to drive for Meyer Shank Racing, replacing Tom Blomqvist. Following this announcement, he made his team debut at Laguna Seca, where he experienced initial difficulties, including a spin during practice attributed to limited wrist mobility while adjusting to a medical brace.

August 13, 2024: Multi-year deal signed with A. J. Foyt Racing

On August 13, 2024, David Malukas officially entered into a multi-year contract with A. J. Foyt Racing, securing his position with the team for the 2025 season and subsequent years.

2024: Competed for Meyer Shank Racing

David Malukas participated in the IndyCar Series while driving for Meyer Shank Racing during the 2024 season.

September 18, 2025: David Malukas Joins Team Penske

On September 18, 2025, it was officially announced that David Malukas signed a multi-year agreement to join Team Penske as a replacement for Will Power for the 2026 racing season.

2025: Start of tenure with A. J. Foyt Racing

Beginning in 2025, David Malukas is set to compete as a driver under the A. J. Foyt Racing banner as part of his multi-year agreement established in 2024.

2025: Competed for A.J. Foyt Racing

In 2025, David Malukas competed in the IndyCar Series as a driver for A.J. Foyt Racing.

2026: Relocation to Charlotte

During the winter break leading up to the 2026 season, David Malukas relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina.

2026: 2026 Racing Season Performance

Throughout the 2026 season, Malukas achieved a 13th place finish at St. Petersburg, secured his first career pole position and a podium at Phoenix, finished second at the Sonsio Grand Prix, and narrowly missed winning the Indianapolis 500 by 0.0233 seconds to Felix Rosenqvist. Additionally, on July 13, 2026, he visited the White House with Álex Palou and Felix Rosenqvist to promote the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.