David Malukas will be sidelined for the start of the new NTT IndyCar Series season, and as a result, his Arrow McLaren team is working to identify a temporary replacement for its new young driver in the No. 6 Chevy.
“Following a mountain biking incident this weekend, David Malukas successfully underwent surgery on Tuesday, February 13 to repair torn ligaments in his dislocated left wrist,” the team announced. “His recovery timeline is estimated to be six weeks following the removal of his stitches February 22. The team is currently evaluating reserve driver options for the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and will announce the driver in due course.”
Malukas was understandably disappointed.
“I’m gutted this happened, especially so close to the season,” he said. “I feel horrible for the team who have worked so hard to prepare for our first season together. I will be working hard to get back on track as soon as I can. I can’t wait to go racing with the team in papaya.”
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The incident has not diminished the 22-year-old’s standing within the team.
“It’s just heartbreaking for David, of course, and our entire team,” said team principal Gavin Ward. “We’ve seen how much work he and this entire group has put into preparing for his first season in papaya. But it’s often how we recover from setbacks and adversity that defines us and our character. We will do everything we can to support David in his recovery and when he’s back on track the success will be all the sweeter.”