Meyer Shank Racing has announced a mid-season driver change, starting with the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on June 23.
David Malukas will take over the No. 66 Honda for the remainder of the NTT IndyCar Series season. He will make 10 starts while replacing Tom Blomqvist, who Meyer Shank Racing took out of the entry.
Blomqvist finished this season’s Indy 500 in 31st place after his involvement in an opening-lap crash that eliminated three cars. Helio Castroneves, a member of the Meyer Shank Racing ownership group, then replaced Blomqvist for two races.
Castroneves finished 25th at Detroit. He will make his second start this weekend at Road America.
Malukas has competed full-time in two IndyCar Series seasons. He finished second at World Wide Technology Raceway in 2022 and then finished third at the 1.25-mile track in 2023.
Malukas joined Arrow McLaren ahead of the 2024 season but did not make a start for the team. He dislocated his left wrist and tore tendons after a mountain biking accident. Malukas missed four races before Arrow McLaren released him.
Now healthy, Malukas will now have another opportunity to compete in IndyCar this season. He will take over for Blomqvist, whose best finish this season is 15th in the season-opening grand prix.
“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 in a statement. “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.”