Log jam at AJ Foyt Enterprises with three drivers for two cars
By Roy J. Akers of www.skyviewsports.net and Indycar.com
Malukas is in
It doesn’t take a math genius to realize AJ Foyt Enterprises now has three drivers for two machines in 2025 after the team signed Indy Car youngster David Malukas. Chances are Sting Ray Robb and Santino Ferrucci have heard the rumblings. Hopefully Foyt pivots to a third team entry for 2025 but with Robb struggling and Ferrucci having a better season than expected, Robb might be updating his resume. The Pray.com driver is a quality guy with a quality sponsor. Foyt, like most owners treats drivers like they are milk with an expiration date. Win, finish on podiums, or the heat from the race track follows the drivers home until they are jettisoned. Hopefully Foyt goes to three cars but if not, most likely Sting Ray and his agent will work the phones.
The News- From Indycar.com
AJ Foyt Racing has signed rising star David Malukas to drive one of the team’s Chevrolet-powered cars in a multiyear deal starting with the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.
“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to join AJ Foyt Racing,” Malukas said. “The team has performed very well this season, and I can’t wait to get to work with them and immerse myself in that environment.
“The history and success of both AJ Foyt Racing and A.J. Foyt himself were key factors in my decision to join the team. Everyone knows that A.J. is a legend, and he was someone whose name I always heard growing up. To have the opportunity to work alongside him and drive for his team is very special. I am starting a new chapter in my INDYCAR career, and I am eager to achieve strong results with AJ Foyt Racing.”
Malukas, who turns 23 in September, was forced to sit out the beginning of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season when he sustained torn ligaments in his left wrist from a mountain bike accident. Requiring several months to heal, Malukas returned to action in June, driving Meyer Shank Racing’s No. 66 entry. Impressive in his return, he has qualified in the top 12 in four of his last five races.
“David will be a great addition to AJ Foyt Racing,” Team President Larry Foyt said. “He is a fierce competitor who possesses a great deal of natural talent. I think David will be a super fit with our engineers and mechanics, and he will be an important factor as we continue to ascend the INDYCAR SERIES rankings.”
Malukas finished second in the INDY NXT by Firestone standings in 2021 before climbing to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 2022 with Dale Coyne Racing. His best career finish is second in 2022 on the 1.25-mile oval at World Wide Technology Raceway. He moved to Arrow McLaren after the 2023 season but didn’t race for the team due to his wrist injury and was released in late April before signing with Meyer Shank Racing for the rest of the 2024 season.
“For me, the 2024 season was very chaotic and did not go to plan, so I am looking forward to a new beginning,” Malukas said. “I am mostly looking forward to being a part of such a special team.
“The recent alliance with Team Penske this season has clearly been beneficial, and I want to be sure that we build the right environment, not just for myself, but for the mechanics, engineers and everyone else who makes this all possible. In the few years I have been in INDYCAR, I have found that a strong team dynamic is crucial for success. As long as we focus on building good chemistry, I am confident that the results will follow.”
What’s Next
In this announcement, AJ Foyt Racing did not indicate the 2025 status of its two drivers this season, Santino Ferrucci and Sting Ray Robb.
Stay tuned, we find out more about Conor Daily in his presser on Wed. August 14th.