Higher Gear: A Q&A with David Malukas, Verizon Team Penske's Newest Star
When we met up with David Malukas, one of his first answers included, “6 - 7” (If you don’t know the reference, ask someone about the popular viral trend). What better way to be introduced to the Gen Z driver who was just named to the #12 Verizon Team Penske IndyCar. But it also became clear right away that for David, from the roar of the engines to the smell of burning rubber, driving isn’t just a job––it’s a dream that began in a small go-kart and was fueled by his father’s incredible journey.
How did you get into racing?
DM: I started racing when I was 6 or 7 years old in little go karts. It was something my father and I did for fun on weekends. My father came to America from Lithuania in1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. He lived his own version of the American dream, and racing was a big part of it. He was able to share that dream with me and together we built something very special through the years. When I turned 15, I took my first step into open wheel racing. I raced in the Middle East and all over Europe. Eventually I started to feel homesick and wanted to come back home and race in America.
What do you love most about racing?
DM: There's so many things that I love about racing. But the most important thing is, you know, it's been my dream since I was a kid. I grew up playing a little Hot Wheels and watching Cars, and now I'm living it in real life. So being able to actually do what I dreamed of is incredible. And, on top of that, there's so many things that came extra with it that I never really expected.
When did you start your IndyCar journey?
DM: I came up through the feeder series, starting in USF20000, then Indy Pro, Indy NXT, and eventually IndyCar, which had always been my dream. I grew up watching Will Power and Scott Dixon on TV, racing side by side with them in my living room and in the kitchen with toy cars. And now I get to line up against them in real life.
What is it about the IndyCar racing you love the most?
DM: The fans. When I look at the fan base, going out to the tracks and having that support is incredible. I get to be myself and people accept me for who I am. When I’m on the track, I get to do what I love. When I’m off the track, I can show my personality and have a good time.
Did you ever think you would be a part of this team?
DM: As you know, it’s always been a dream of mine to drive for Team Penske––especially in the #12 car. Back in 2021, I visited the team while I was still in the feeder series. They gave me a tour, and I remember walking through the gallery, meeting the team and seeing all pictures and the history on the walls. At that moment I told myself that someday, I’ll be here.
How has technology powered the racing experience for you?
DM: Technology has changed so much in my lifetime. From growing up with cell phones and video games to now using racing simulators for work––the difference is huge. I even have a simulator at home and continue racing. All of the advancements help me perfect what I’m doing even when I'm not at the track. We have a pretty long off season, so the fact that I can continue working with all the engineers and the mechanics helps me perform on track. And when I first started racing, it was just some very small quick data points and now we have comparisons with not just myself, but with other drivers and the team and actually opponents. I'm able to see full on GPS tracking and able to to get different lines and perspectives. So technology has made a massive improvement not just to myself, but to racing as a whole. It’s made the competition that much stronger.
Read more about the partnership and the Verizon/Penske relationship.
