David Malukas Makes a Splash in the Penske Era: Leading the First Day of Phoenix Test
The Rising Star of INDYCAR Makes His Mark
David Malukas, the 24-year-old Chicago native, made a bold statement in his first official test session with Team Penske. Leading the Unser INDYCAR Open Test at Phoenix Raceway, Malukas demonstrated his prowess on the 1-mile desert oval, posting a lap speed of 172.605 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. This was his first test since joining the legendary team after the 2025 season, and he certainly made an impact.
Malukas' speed on short ovals is no surprise, considering he has already achieved two podium finishes on the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway oval near St. Louis. However, his performance at Phoenix was a testament to his adaptability and skill.
A Team Penske Dominance
The day's results showcased Team Penske's dominance, with Malukas leading a 1-2 finish. Josef Newgarden, the two-time series champion, secured second place overall among 25 drivers, further solidifying the team's strength. Will Power, who Malukas replaced, took third place, marking the beginning of his tenure at Andretti Global.
A New Era for Meyer Shank Racing
Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian, a team that achieved success last season by placing two drivers in the top 10 of the final standings, also made a strong showing. Marcus Armstrong and Felix Rosenqvist demonstrated their speed, with Armstrong taking sixth place and Rosenqvist following closely behind in seventh.
The Rookies Make Their Mark
Among the rookies, Dennis Hauger, the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion, stood out with his 17th-place finish. Mick Schumacher, the son of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher, made his oval-track debut, completing 109 laps and finishing 23rd. Caio Collet, the 2025 INDY NXT runner-up, was involved in a minor incident but managed to climb out of the car unharmed.
The Test Continues
The testing at Phoenix will continue on Wednesday, serving as the final dress rehearsal for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. With cars on track from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET, the anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable. The 2026 season will kick off with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1, followed by the Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix on March 7, marking the first INDYCAR SERIES race at Phoenix since 2018.
The Questions Remain
As the test progresses, the questions linger. Will Malukas' success continue? Can Team Penske rebound from a sub-par 2025 season? And what impact will the rookies have on the series? The answers will be revealed in the coming days, leaving fans eager to see how the 2026 season unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments!
