INDIANAPOLIS — Meyer Shank Racing is shaking up its cast of drivers six races into the 2024 IndyCar season.
According to a press release, David Malukas will join the team and drive the No. 66 AutoNation/Arctic Wolf Honda for the remainder of the year. Malukas is slated to make his official debut with the team at the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on June 23 in California.
“I am extremely grateful to Jim Meyer, Mike Shank and the entire Meyer Shank Racing team for the opportunity to finish out the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season,” Malukas said via release. “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.
"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.”
MSR's No. 66 car was previously driven by Tom Blomqvist. The British driver, however, was benched by MSR after the 108th Indianapolis 500.
Blomqvist's benching was announced just days after he was involved in an opening-lap crash in the Indy 500. The crash eliminated three cars, including that of 2022 Indy 500 champion Marcus Ericsson.
Four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves drove the No. 66 car for MSR after the Indy 500. He placed 25th at the Detroit Grand Prix last weekend.
Malukas joined MSR just over a month after he was dropped by Arrow McLaren. According to the Associated Press, Malukas was released by Arrow McLaren after he missed four races with an injury.
His absence triggered a clause in his contract that allowed Arrow McLaren to terminate his deal. The AP reported that Malukas suffered the injury in an offseason mountain biking crash.
Malukas never ran an IndyCar race for Arrow McLaren. The team had signed him as a fill-in because Alex Palou breached his contract with Arrow McLaren and decided not join the team, per the AP.
In its press release, MSR indicated that Blomqvist "remains a part of the MSR family." MSR leadership also thanked Blomqvist for his efforts in 2024 in their release.
“This whole process has been extremely difficult on myself and (team co-owner) Jim Meyer,” MSR co-owner Mike Shank said via release. “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.”