PHOENIX – David Malukas made an immediate impact with his modern team, leading the first day of testing at Phoenix Raceway on Tuesday. The 24-year-old driver, in his first official NTT INDYCAR SERIES session since joining Team Penske, posted a fast lap of 172.605 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. The test session serves as a crucial dress rehearsal ahead of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, and Malukas’ performance signals a strong start for both the driver and the iconic team.
“It feels great to be P1, but at the end of the day, we just ran through our test items,” Malukas said, according to IndyCar.com. “From that perspective, that’s what truly matters, and everything went very well. We’ve learned so many different things. Everything felt very clear. We got a lot of answers.” The focus on data collection and preparation, rather than simply chasing the fastest lap, underscores the methodical approach Team Penske is taking as it aims to rebound from a challenging 2025 season.
A New Chapter for Malukas and Team Penske
Malukas’ move to Team Penske marks a significant step in his young career. The Chicago-area native joins the winningest team in INDYCAR SERIES history after four seasons with Dale Coyne Racing, Meyer Shank Racing, and AJ Foyt Racing. His arrival fills the seat previously held by veteran Will Power, who has moved to Andretti Global. According to his official driver profile, Malukas finished 11th in the 2025 standings and boasts two second-place finishes in his NTT INDYCAR SERIES career, at World Wide Technology Raceway in 2022 and the Indianapolis 500 in 2025.
The transition to Team Penske appears seamless so far, with Malukas quickly adapting to the new environment and equipment. His experience on short ovals, evidenced by his previous podiums at World Wide Technology Raceway, likely contributed to his strong performance at Phoenix. The 1-mile oval presents a unique challenge for drivers, demanding precision and control, and Malukas clearly demonstrated his ability to navigate the track effectively.
Team Penske Dominates Day One
Malukas wasn’t alone in showcasing Team Penske’s speed. Two-time series champion Josef Newgarden secured the second-fastest time of the day, clocking in at 172.201 mph in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet. This 1-2 finish highlights the strength of the team’s preparation and the potential for a competitive season. The performance is particularly encouraging as Team Penske looks to regain its position as a dominant force in the series.
The team’s success wasn’t limited to the top two spots. Will Power, now driving for Andretti Global, finished third with a lap of 171.706 in the No. 26 TWG AI Honda. Kyle Kirkwood, also driving for Andretti Global, rounded out the top four with a time of 171.423 in the No. 27 Siemens Honda. Reigning and four-time series champion Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing was fifth at 171.357.
Rookies Make Their Mark, Incident Occurs
The test session also provided an opportunity for several rookies to gain valuable experience. Dennis Hauger, the 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone champion, posted the fastest time among the newcomers, finishing 17th overall at 169.259 mph in the No. 19 Ault Block Chain Honda fielded by Dale Coyne Racing. Formula One veteran Mick Schumacher, son of racing legend Michael Schumacher, was 23rd at 164.006 mph in the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda, completing 109 laps – the third-highest total of the day.
There was one incident during the day, involving 2025 INDY NXT runner-up Caio Collet. Collet made slight contact in Turn 4 in his No. 4 COMBITRANS AMAZONIA Chevrolet fielded by AJ Foyt Racing, but was able to climb from the car unassisted and was unhurt. The incident served as a reminder of the inherent risks of racing, even during testing.
Looking Ahead to Wednesday and the Season Opener
Testing will continue Wednesday at Phoenix Raceway, with cars scheduled to be on track from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET and 3:30-6:30 p.m. ET. This final day of testing will allow teams to further refine their setups and gather additional data before the start of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
The season will kick off with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1, followed by the Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix on Saturday, March 7 – marking the first INDYCAR SERIES race at Phoenix since 2018. Fans can follow the action on FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app, and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
The strong showing by Team Penske, led by David Malukas, sets the stage for an exciting 2026 season. The team’s commitment to preparation and development, combined with the talent of its drivers, positions them as a strong contender for the championship.
What are your thoughts on Malukas’ strong start with Team Penske? Share your predictions for the 2026 season in the comments below.
