Getting Schooled: INDYCAR Driver David Malukas, WWTR Owner Curtis Francois Deliver Motorsports Business Insights to Maryville University
Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by WWTR
MADISON, Ill. (April 17, 2026) – Rawlings Sports Business Management Program students at Maryville University enjoyed an on-campus pit stop earlier this week courtesy of NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver David Malukas and World Wide Technology Raceway Owner Curtis Francois.
The 24-year-old Team Penske driver was in the St. Louis-area market to promote the June 6-7 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at World Wide Technology Raceway, with Maryville serving as a valuable community-focused visit less than 20 miles from downtown St. Louis.
Malukas and Francois shared complementary perspectives on the motorsports industry, speaking to approximately 30 students in the program that ranged from first-year to fourth-year students.
Malukas offered an inside look at the sport from the driver’s seat, detailing his path to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Team Penske, the critical role of partners and sponsors in a driver’s career, and the importance of social media in building a personal brand and connecting with fans.
“It was pretty surreal for me to speak to the students in the sports business management program at Maryville University because I’m not much older than most of them that were in the room. Seeing so many students interested in the business of motorsports was a great thing,” said David Malukas, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet. “They were very engaged with both me and Curtis Francois. Motorsports – and sports in general – is an ever-evolving landscape so these types of programs are vital for the future health of the sport.”
Francois provided the promoter’s perspective, outlining his journey from aspiring race car driver to track owner. His discussion included how he revitalized World Wide Technology Raceway from a dormant facility into a thriving economic engine for the region, now uniquely positioned as one of the only U.S. venues to host NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA events. Like Malukas, Francois also emphasized the importance of partnerships and their role in successfully executing national-scale events.
“Opportunities like this, especially when we can partner with institutions like Maryville University, allow us to inspire and engage students in meaningful ways,” said Francois. “Having David Malukas join us makes it even more special, giving the students a chance to connect firsthand with someone who represents the passion and possibilities within our sport. It’s a partnership we truly value and one that continues to strengthen the community around us.”
Following the discussion, students engaged in an interactive Q&A session, with questions ranging from career values and industry entry points to how major events are curated with fans in mind. Many of the students also will gain additional hands-on experience as volunteers during the upcoming INDYCAR race weekend, further connecting classroom learning with real-world application.
“Monday’s event with WWTR was really inspiring—hearing how Curtis Francois used his racing background to bring a shut-down track back to life and build it into a fan-first experience was incredible. His success in creating consistent, high-quality events and attracting major races shows what strong vision and execution can do,” said Camryn Skaggs, a second-year student in the Rawlings Sport Business Management Program. It was also really interesting to hear from David Malukas as a current driver—learning how he’s built his personal brand through authenticity gave a great perspective on what it takes to succeed in the industry today.”
“We have not previously had a professional athlete speak to the program,” said Josh Parrish, Program Coordinator, Rawlings Sport Business Management Program. David’s perspective provided a more holistic view of the business of auto racing and what it takes to build a personal brand. He discussed several disciplines we cover in the program, including sponsorship, sales and event operations. These areas extend beyond racing and apply to the broader sport business industry landscape.”
“We sincerely value our partnership with World Wide Technology Raceway and the opportunity it provides for our students to gain hands-on industry experience by working events at the track,” said Jason Williams, a Professor & Associate Dean, John E. Simon School of Business and Director, Rawlings Sport Business Management Program. “Having David Malukas and Curtis Francois speak to our students in the Rawlings Sport Business Management Program was immensely beneficial. We continually seek opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-time industry experiences, and this engagement provided a unique perspective by highlighting the same race through both a driver’s and a track owner’s lens. Their insights reinforced the competitive nature of the racing industry and emphasized the importance of preparation, relationships, and adaptability.”
Tickets for the June 6-7 event are available at wwtraceway.com or by calling the ticket office at (618) 215-8888, ext. 1.
About World Wide Technology Raceway
World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA racing in St. Louis’ Metro East region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering 700 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1.25-mile superspeedway; 1/4-mile drag strip; 2.0-mile road course; the Gateway Kartplex state-of-the-art karting facility; and the adjacent Gateway National Golf Links. WWTR and Owner & CEO Curtis Francois have been recognized with several awards, including: 2023 St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame induction; 2023 Innovation in Philanthropy Award by the St. Louis Business Journal; 2022 Explore St. Louis Hospitality Hero Recognition; 2022 Best in Show and Best Event & Festival from the Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism; 2021 Comcast Community Champion of the Year; 2021 Jack Buck Award; 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Track Award; 2018 Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission; 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference; and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. Our mission: We are committed to making a difference in our community, while providing first-class entertainment and memories that last a lifetime.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | WWTR Public Relations & Media Manager | 314.517.5125 | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com
