David Malukas, driver for Team Penske, is determined to leave his nickname ‘Lil’ Dave’ behind and adopt the name ‘Big Dave’. To achieve this, he needs to secure his first victory in the IndyCar Series, and this weekend offers the clearest opportunity after earning the pole for the race in Phoenix.
Malukas, originally from Chicago, dominated the qualifying session, clocking an average of 175.383 mph over two laps with his Chevrolet #12, surpassing his teammate, Josef Newgarden, one of the most notable drivers on oval circuits.
This performance reinforces Penske’s decision to choose Malukas to replace Will Power, a two-time series champion, who left the team after 17 years to join Andretti Global. Driving for one of the most prestigious teams in IndyCar history comes with considerable pressure.
Malukas remarked that, regardless of the teams he has been with, he has always had to manage some form of pressure, but he acknowledges that driving for Penske is a unique experience. “For me, Team Penske has been a dream. Driving a car that has a legacy, like the Verizon #12, is very special,” said the driver.
If he secures victory in the 250 laps scheduled for Saturday, he will be able to leave behind the nickname that has followed him since his second season with Dale Coyne Racing. “That would represent not only my first victory but also a victory with Team Penske, which is what we are looking for,” he added.
An IndyCar representative suggested that, in case of success, he could start being known as ‘Big Dave’, to which Malukas nodded with a smile. This weekend, the race in Phoenix presents an unparalleled opportunity to make this name change a reality.
