As where’s ‘Ol Uncle Bernaughty when Yuhs need Him,
Eh?
Having already scribbled my two pesos worth
here upon No Fenders regarding Penske’s latest “Unfair Advantage”. I won’t
linger on the subject much longer, especially how everythingy’s AWESOME in Indy
Cars, Cough-Cough!
But I just wanted to make a few more belated
comments, for which I first heard Racer’s Marshall Pruett say out loud during
His Week in IndyCar Penske Penalty Podcast. Although I already had similar
sentiments over Penske Entertainment’s AWSM press machine…
Whilst I wasn’t surprised in the faintess, I
did find it funny how much IndyCar.com, the series official House Organ tried
wallpapering over Team Penske’s St Pete transgressions! With just one single
story published with a rather inauspicious Headline. Before multiple stories
about the upcoming Alabama Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park. Move along,
Nothing to see here…
In hindsight, I feel pretty comfortable that
Roger Penske didn’t know about this. And while His 15mins “Come to Jesus”
meeting in the Barber Motorsports Park paddock in His “RV” with the ten IndyCar
team owners was a step in the right direction. Obviously the meeting was way
too short! And it just feels like enough wasn’t done regarding this situation…
Naturally the series was quite Happy to write
about Arrow McLaren Firing David Malukas a day after Scott McLaughlin led
Penske teammate Will Power home in a 1-2 finish at Barber’s.
As it’s sad thinking that David Malukas never
got a chance to race in anger for McLaren. Or that His injury reportedly stems
from His mistaking the front brake of His mountain bike for the rear and going
Arse over Teakettle! Dislocating His wrist and tearing it’s tendons…
Until this season, Malukas has been my Numero
Doce IndyCar driver, as I really like His personal Demeanour and had Hoed for
His bigger ‘n better opportunity at McLaren, which we All know, now will never
happen, Sigh!
As Malukas like many current IndyCar drivers
climbed up the Stateside Open wheel Racing ladder system. With stops along the
way in the U.S. f2000 National championship, Indy Pro 2000, FR Americas and
finally Indy Lights before graduating to IndyCar in 2022.
Malukas drove two seasons for Dale Coyne Racing
with HDM Motorsports, with funding from His Father’s Trucking business. With
His breakout drive coming at Gateway, aka World Wide Technology Raceway or
simply WWTR in September, 2022. When the rookie driver finally heeded to
veteran spotter Pancho Carter’s advice to go High! As the “High line’s the
right line!” Which Malukas used to audaciously pass then second place Scott McLaughlin.
And came within “whiskers” of passing Josef Newgarden for the win! As Malukas
was simply giddy over finishing runner-up between two Team Penske drivers!
David’s sophomore season at Coyne went somewhat
sideways to say the least. But it’s worth remembering that Chip Ganassi Racing
poached His race Engineer that season for Scott Dixon’s ride. With Malukas
claiming His second podium at WWTR when finishing third.
Marshall Pruett notes that the driver market
for 2025 in IndyCar should potentially offer the 22yr old driver a chance to
return. With David saying for now He’s simply focused upon becoming 100%
Healthy again…
And although I really Hope He returns next year to IndyCar, right now I’m struggling to “See” where He lands? As returning to Coyne seems His most likely option. Whilst obviously, Malukas is ruing His decision to go mountain biking on a “Beginner” course this February…