David Malukas continues to prove why Team Penske identified him as one of IndyCar’s brightest young talents.
The Autobahn Country Club member delivered a standout performance in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, placing himself firmly in contention throughout the race aboard the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet for Team Penske. From the drop of the green flag, Malukas consistently demonstrated race-winning pace and appeared to be one of the strongest cars in the field.
Members of Autobahn Country Club in attendance at Indianapolis could clearly see that Malukas had both the speed and composure to challenge for victory on motorsport’s biggest stage.
With varying fuel and tire strategies unfolding among the leaders during the closing stages, the outcome remained uncertain deep into the race. A late caution, however, reset the field and created a dramatic one-lap shootout to the finish.
On the final run around the famed 2.5-mile oval, Felix Rosenqvist executed a daring move entering Turn 4 to build momentum coming to the checkered flag. Despite Malukas’ defensive efforts, there was little he could do to disrupt Rosenqvist’s run as the pair charged side-by-side toward the yard of bricks.
At the line, Malukas fell just .0233 seconds short in what became the closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history.
While the result was understandably heartbreaking, the performance further reinforced the growing belief throughout the paddock that Malukas is on the verge of becoming IndyCar’s next breakout star. Many within the sport believe his first series victory is imminent, with championship contention increasingly looking like a matter of when—not if.
Autobahn members will have another opportunity to support Malukas and several other club-affiliated drivers when the IndyCar Series heads to Road America on June 19–21.
