David Malukas Gears Up for Iowa Speedway Doubleheader in IndyCar
David Malukas, the talented driver for AJ Foyt Racing, is eager to return to oval racing this weekend as he competes in the IndyCar doubleheader at Iowa Speedway. Having recently tackled two challenging road course races, Malukas feels a sense of excitement mixed with anticipation as he heads into what promises to be one of the most demanding weekends of the season.
A Strong Performance on Ovals
In the 2025 season, Malukas has shown remarkable skill on oval tracks. He achieved a commendable second-place finish in the prestigious Indianapolis 500 and led an impressive 67 laps at the Worldwide Technology Raceway. This success stands in stark contrast to his performances on road courses, where he has struggled to find his footing. In fact, his best result on road courses this season has been a seventh-place finish at Road America.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Malukas stated, "I’m very excited to be back on an oval. While we still have a lot to figure out regarding road course setups and strategies, it feels great to shift focus and return to an environment that I truly enjoy—a short oval where our team typically excels."
Historical Success at Iowa Speedway
Historically, Iowa Speedway has been a favorable venue for Malukas. In his six IndyCar races at this 0.894-mile oval, he has started in the top 10 four times, including a notable second-row start in 2023. Additionally, he has secured two eighth-place finishes at this track, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
"I’ve always found Iowa to be an enjoyable track. The racing is often chaotic,” Malukas remarked. “It’s one of the few events where you’re overtaking multiple cars, making it hard to keep track of your position. You’re simply focused on having a good time. I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing how we fare this year."
The Advantage of Team Collaboration
AJ Foyt Racing has a technical partnership with Team Penske, which has dominated Iowa Speedway in recent years, winning eight of the last nine races held at the track. This collaboration and Foyt’s extensive experience on ovals bolster Malukas’ confidence as he anticipates the upcoming race weekend.
"Absolutely! The partnership, along with Foyt’s history at Iowa, gives us a solid foundation. I’m eager to see how our short oval car performs once we arrive. It’s reassuring to know that we should have a strong setup," Malukas commented.
New Aero Package and Tire Changes
In a bid to enhance the racing experience following NASCAR’s recent repaving of the inside lanes, IndyCar is introducing a new aerodynamic package for the Iowa event. This updated package shifts aerodynamic load from the underwing to the rear wing, which is designed to increase drag and, hopefully, make it easier for drivers to follow and pass each other.
Firestone is also contributing to the changes by providing a new tire construction, including an updated right-front tire tailored specifically for Iowa. These modifications were tested in June by 21 of the 27 full-time IndyCar drivers, although Malukas was not among those who participated in the test.
"IndyCar is taking steps to improve the racing experience. Since we didn’t take part in the test, we have more unknowns to deal with. We’re approaching this weekend with a fresh perspective and are hopeful for positive outcomes," he noted. "Iowa used to be a fantastic track for overtaking, and I hope this new package allows us to return to that level of competitive racing."
Strategic Considerations for the Doubleheader
An important aspect of the upcoming weekend will be the race strategy. Both races have been extended from 250 laps to 275 laps, increasing the total distance from 218 to 240 miles each.
"Changes in lap counts often create more opportunities for strategic variations and different approaches. I trust that IndyCar has made these adjustments for a reason, and I believe the dynamics will shift," Malukas explained. "With the new aero package and the longer races, it’s clear they are making an effort to ensure Iowa is an exciting race for all of us. I have faith that it will be a different experience, and we’ll find out soon enough."
The Physical Demands of the Doubleheader
One of the most significant challenges this weekend will be the physical toll on the drivers. With just a 20-hour turnaround between races, recovery will be crucial under demanding conditions.
"I’ve already begun discussions with my trainer to outline a recovery plan. The quick turnaround, combined with longer races and a potentially heavier car, will create a significant physical challenge," Malukas acknowledged. "All the preparation we put in during the offseason will play an essential role this weekend. I expect it to be our toughest challenge yet, especially considering the heat."
Malukas elaborated, "We’re facing a trifecta of challenges: longer races, heavier cars, and extreme heat. All the training we’ve undergone is leading up to this crucial point."
Aiming for Championship Points
For Malukas, this doubleheader at Iowa represents a critical opportunity to gain valuable championship points. Currently sitting in 12th place, only 11 points separate him from his teammate Santino Ferrucci, who occupies the 10th position.
"We’ve experienced a few races where circumstances didn’t align in our favor, so we focused on salvaging points. But at Iowa, we believe we can achieve better results and move up the standings," he commented.
To capitalize on this opportunity, Malukas emphasized the importance of clean pit stops, which are particularly vital on oval tracks. "Consistency will be key. Given how tight the standings are, a risky move for short-term gain could be worthwhile in the long run."
Conclusion
As David Malukas prepares for the Iowa Speedway doubleheader, he carries a mix of confidence and excitement. With a historically strong performance on ovals and the support of his team, he is poised to tackle the challenges ahead. The new aerodynamic package, tire changes, and strategic elements will all play significant roles in determining the outcome of the races. As the weekend approaches, Malukas is ready to seize the opportunity to climb the championship standings and showcase his driving prowess on the oval.
