David Malukas Clinches First Career Pole at Phoenix

Rookie driver overcomes early career setbacks to earn top starting spot for IndyCar race

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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David Malukas, a young NTT IndyCar Series driver, secured his first career pole position for the upcoming Good Ranchers 250 race at Phoenix Raceway. Malukas, who had previously faced setbacks in his career including being fired from an IndyCar team, overcame adversity to earn the top starting spot, delivering a 1-2 result for Team Penske alongside veteran driver Josef Newgarden.

Why it matters

Malukas' pole position is a significant milestone in his career, demonstrating his resilience and driving talent after facing early career challenges. His success also highlights the strength of the Team Penske program, which has continued to develop young drivers and produce strong results.

The details

In qualifying, Malukas navigated the mile oval at Phoenix Raceway with a two-lap average speed of 175.383 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, edging out teammate Josef Newgarden for the top spot. Malukas had earlier led the morning practice session, setting the stage for his breakthrough performance. The pole position comes after Malukas had been fired from the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, a low point in his career where he questioned whether he would continue racing. However, a phone call from IndyCar series owner Roger Penske encouraged Malukas to keep fighting, ultimately leading to his current opportunity with Team Penske.

  • Malukas was fired from the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team in 2024.
  • Penske called Malukas after his firing, encouraging him to keep pursuing his racing career.
  • Malukas secured a ride with Meyer Shank Racing in 2024 and then joined A.J. Foyt Racing.
  • Malukas is now in his second season with Team Penske, earning his first career pole position on March 7, 2026.

The players

David Malukas

A young NTT IndyCar Series driver who secured his first career pole position for the Good Ranchers 250 race at Phoenix Raceway.

Roger Penske

The owner of the IndyCar series, who called Malukas after he was fired from the Arrow McLaren team, encouraging him to keep pursuing his racing career.

Josef Newgarden

A veteran IndyCar driver who qualified second, delivering a 1-2 result for Team Penske.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, man, I'm just finally so happy. So many P2s. The story of old last season was we wait till the last few guys and then boom, we get P2. But finally we got it. It feels so good.”

— David Malukas, IndyCar Driver (autoweek.com)

“At that time I'd gotten fired from McLaren and seemed that was kind of going to be the end. I didn't even know if racing was going to be a thing.”

— David Malukas, IndyCar Driver (autoweek.com)

“It was one of my main factors to keep that driving factor going and pick myself back up and say, 'You know what? This isn't going to be the end of me. I'm going to find a way. I'm going to find an answer.'”

— David Malukas, IndyCar Driver (autoweek.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Malukas' pole position victory demonstrates the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. His story serves as an inspiration for young drivers who may face setbacks in their careers, showing that with determination and a willingness to keep fighting, success can be achieved.