Arrow McLaren has released up-and-coming NTT IndyCar Series driver David Malukas after a wrist injury kept him out of his fourth straight race over the weekend at Barber Motorsports Park.
Malukas was injured in a mountain biking accident about one month before the start of the 2024 season, which has kept him off of the track for the first three regular season races along with the Thermal Challenge exhibition.
Malukas released a statement on the news Monday:
“The past three months have been challenging. I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to drive for Arrow McLaren and regret that it never materialized. I would have loved to have continued representing the team and its partners going forward. They have been good, and I appreciate all they have done for me.
“I’ve done everything possible to speed up the rehab process – treatments, physiotherapy, strength training – buy my recovery has taken longer than anticipated. Every injury is different, and every body heals at a different pace. I’ll turn my full attention to getting back to 100 percent and then prove that I am ready and able to compete to win.”
The Indy Star reports that the team made the move to avoid a situation where it would be put in legal trouble had Malukas not been given the ride for the entirety of the season after he returned to the track.
During the four races Malukas missed, Callum Ilott raced the No. 6 car at the season opener and Thermal Club exhibition. Rookie Théo Pourchaire drove the car in the series’ past two races.
Ilott would not be able to make next month’s Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Road Course due to World Endurance Challenge commitments, however he could slot into the No. 6 car during the Indianapolis 500. Pourchaire has not gone through rookie orientation required to compete in the race.
Of course, the team could go in a different position and look for a different, long-term position for the seat.
During the 2023 season – Malukas’ second full season with HMD Motorsports w/Dale Coyne – the youngster secured six top 10 finishes, including a podium at Gateway.
