What has seemed like a worst kept secret materialized officially on Friday as David Malukas was named full-time driver of the IndyCar Series No. 66 for Meyer Shank Racing starting later in the month at Raceway Laguna Seca.
Malukas was contracted to race for Arrow McLaren in the No. 6 car this season but broke his left hand in a pre-season bicycle incident and was released by March over a subsequent breach of contract. Now, fully healed, Malukas has been hired by Meyer Shank to get them out of a vital owners points deficit.
Rookie Tom Blomqvist had started the season in the No. 66 but was replaced by veteran Helio Castroneves with the goal of getting the team back inside the top-22 of the championship standings, teams that earn millions of dollars in sponsorship and broadcast revenue from the series.
Castroneves started with the team last weekend at Detroit, after racing the Indianapolis 500 for them the week before, and will make another start this weekend at Road America before giving way to Malukas in Monterrey.
“This whole process has been extremely difficult on myself and (team co-owner) Jim Meyer,” said Mike 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.”
Malukas regularly took Dale Coyne Racing to top-15s and the occassional top-10, leading to his signing with Arrow McLaren in the first place so it was a reasoable expectation that he can challenge for top-10s and the occasional podium in the No. 66.
Malukas will debut with the team on Tuesday at IndyCar conducts a test of its hybrid engine extension at the historic Milwaukee Mile.
“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,” Malukas said. “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.”
For his part, Blomqvist remains under contract with MSR and is expected to race for the team next season as it returns to IMSA in the hybrid GTP class with Acura, a return to what he had raced in 2022-23.
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.