Two NTT INDYCAR SERIES Drivers Test at World Wide Technology Raceway
Last Updated on October 9, 2025 by WWTR
Photo: David Malukas during the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline weekend June 14- 15.
MADISON, Ill. (Oct. 9, 2025) – David Malukas took his first laps behind the wheel of a Team Penske car as a full-time driver for the team during a Firestone tire test with fellow NTT INDYCAR SERIES and Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood at World Wide Technology Raceway Oct. 7.
On Sept. 18, Team Penske announced that they would be signing Malukas on a multiyear agreement starting for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. Malukas will be piloting the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, that was previously driven by Will Power for 17 seasons.
Malukas had his debut in the No. 12 Team Penske Verizon Chevrolet during the two-day Firestone Tire Test held at the Madison-based track.
“Overall, first outing has been incredible,” said Malukas. “We have had a very successful morning. We obviously have been running different test items, different things, but overall, just getting into the car, seeing it from the outside, seeing my name with the number 12 Team Penske Verizon car has been a very special moment for me.”
Malukas has gone head-to-head in the past with his now teammates. As a rookie, the Chicago native secured his first podium alongside Josef Newgarden and Scott Mclaughlin at the 2022 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline.
WWT Raceway holds significance for both drivers. Kirkwood claimed his first oval win at the 1.25-mile oval during the ninth annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 on June 15. While his return to WWT Raceway for the recent tire test was described as “fairly low pressure” by Kirkwood, the duo spent two days on the oval testing different tires for the series.
“A successful test for us here is not necessarily things that we like,” said Kirkwood. “It is what makes the racing better. What makes things better for the fans. What is just going to create more passes. That’s what we are here doing here today.”
WWT Raceway is no stranger to competitive on-track action as in 2025 alone, there were 14 race leaders and 607 total passes. Malukas was the lap leader with 67 laps led, but ultimately it was Kirkwood’s strategy that resulted in him winning after leading only eight laps out of 260.
Kirkwood and Malukas will return to Madison when they compete on June 7, 2026, in a prime time, under-the-lights spectacular once again. Ticket renewals for the 10th annual Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline are live until Oct. 31, and tickets for first time buyers and the general public go on sale Dec. 1.
For more information, please visit wwtraceway.com or call the ticket office at (618) 215-8888 ext. 1.
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Buschhorn | WWTR Public Relations & Media Manager | 314.517.5125 | pbuschhorn@wwtraceway.com
