Meyer Shank Enlists Malukas to Finish Out Remainder of 2024 Season

By David Morgan, Associate Editor

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – The redemption arc for David Malukas has begun.

After an offseason wrist injury forced him out of the cockpit before the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season even began and eventually led to his ouster at Arrow McLaren, Malukas got the call he had been waiting for and will be back behind the wheel starting with the June 23 event at Laguna Seca.

Instead of the papaya orange of McLaren, Malukas will now be sporting the pink and white colors of the No. 66 Meyer Shank Racing Honda, which has been through some turmoil of its own.

The car began the season being piloted by sports car ace Tom Blomqvist, but he was sidelined by the team following an opening lap crash in the Indianapolis 500. Team co-owner Helio Castroneves has been driving the car the last two weeks at Detroit and this weekend at Road America.

Now Malukas will be the primary driver of that car for the remainder of the 2024 season. He’ll join another former Arrow McLaren driver, Felix Rosenqvist, in the stable at Meyer Shank.

“I am extremely grateful to Jim Meyer, Mike Shank and the entire Meyer Shank Racing team for the opportunity to finish out the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season,” Malukas said in a team release.

 “Despite setbacks earlier this year, I have been diligently focusing on my recovery, putting in the necessary effort and dedication to get back to peak condition. I am ready and excited to be back in the car, aiming to make the most of this chance and deliver strong performances for the team and our supporters. This opportunity means a great deal to me, and I am determined to repay the faith shown in me with my best efforts on the track.”

Malukas was on site at Road America this weekend at couldn’t wipe the smile off his face regarding the news that he’ll be back in the driver’s seat.

Prior to getting to Laguna Seca, he’ll hit the ground running in the coming days as he takes part in a crucial test at the Milwaukee Mile for the Labor Day weekend return to the one-mile oval.

“Greatness comes to those who wait and opportunities will come,” Malukas added. “It came a lot sooner than I was expecting and I’m here for it. Hand’s ready. Everybody is ready and I’m just so happy for the opportunity.

“It all kind of happened in the span of a few days. The talks really started after the 500 and going from pen to paper was like 10 days – pretty crazy.

“[Clearance] kind of got put on hold after the termination [at Arrow McLaren], so we thought we weren’t going to ride this season. Then we had this opportunity come up and I had to go back to all the doctors and be like ‘Hey, just kidding. I am actually going to be driving.’

“So, we went through all of the clearance tests to make sure that everybody gives the thumbs up, which all the doctors did. And now we’re going to be driving here very soon.”

As for Blomqvist, he’ll remain a part of Meyer-Shank going forward with a yet to be named role for the 30-year old Englishman.

Team co-owner Mike Shank noted it was a difficult decision to replace Blomqvist, but given the team’s current points predicament, the team had to make the call in the best interest of the team as a whole.

“This whole process has been extremely difficult on myself and (team co-owner) Jim Meyer,” said Shank.

“There were so many things for us to consider as we need to do everything we can to make up ground in the championship and Leader Circle standings. We are pleased to have David (Malukas) join us as he has both experience and potential and we are looking forward to having him start with us in Milwaukee for the test and then go racing with him at Laguna.”