David Malukas Overcomes Adversity to Compete at IndyCar Level
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — David Malukas, the young driver for AJ Foyt Racing, has demonstrated remarkable resilience following a serious wrist injury that sidelined him for the first half of the 2024 IndyCar Series season. The Illinois native suffered fractures and soft tissue damage in a mountain biking accident. His challenge mirrors that of a runner returning from an ankle break, as drivers face immense physical demands, particularly on their hands and wrists.
As Malukas made his return to the cockpit, he faced ongoing pain and limitations stemming from his injury. “The hand’s been OK,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing adjustments he has made since his comeback. “It took a few races to get it back to that level,” he added, noting that he expects to race with a wrist wrap for the remainder of his career to provide vital support.
Malukas has made significant modifications to his driving setup. The team implemented changes in the No. 4 Chevy cockpit to accommodate his condition, including a custom seat and an elevated steering wheel. "I had to start working on my shoulders a lot more because I’m just holding the steering wheel so high," he explained, emphasizing the physical demands required to navigate with limited wrist mobility.
Despite the challenges, Malukas recently secured a strong second-place finish at the Indianapolis 500, propelling him to 10th in the drivers’ standings. His determination mirrors the fortitude of many IndyCar drivers who have faced similar adversities. Reflecting on his injury, he remarked, “It’s going to be a bigger issue when I get older, but hopefully more technology comes out at that point… maybe some cool stuff to become bionic,” showcasing his playful yet determined personality.
While the road ahead remains physically demanding, Malukas’s tenacity positions him as a formidable competitor in the IndyCar circuit.
