Team Penske announced Sept. 18 it has signed David Malukas to a multiyear agreement to drive the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and beyond.

Malukas, 23, becomes just the second driver to race the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet made famous by two-time series champion (2014, 2022) and 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Will Power, who parted company with the team earlier this month and signed with Andretti Global starting in 2026.

“Racing for Team Penske is the goal for every young race car driver, and I am honored to be one that gets to live out that dream,” Malukas said. “Will Power is one of the legends of our sport, and the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet is one of the most recognized cars on the grid. These are big shoes to fill, but I look at it as an opportunity because I know that it is one of the best teams in the paddock.”

A first-generation Lithuanian American from Chicago, Malukas was drawn to the sport by watching his father, Henry, compete as a driver at the iconic Road America circuit. He began his karting career in 2013, scoring numerous wins and championships before moving to the INDYCAR SERIES ladder system. Malukas won the INDY NXT by Firestone Rookie of the Year in 2019, setting the stage for his breakout season in 2021 when he won seven races and six pole positions to go with 16 podium finishes – a series record – in 20 starts on the way to a second-place finish in the standings.

Malukas made his NTT INDYCAR SERIES debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2022, tallying five top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes in 61 races in which he has competed through the 2025 season finale. His skill at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been noteworthy for a young driver; winning Rookie of the Year in the 2021 Indianapolis 500, taking the fastest lap of the race in 2022 and finishing second in 2025.

“We are excited to add David Malukas as the next driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet,” team owner Roger Penske said. “We feel that Team Penske will provide David everything needed to take the next step in his career, and we are confident that he will continue the great legacy of the Verizon Chevrolet.”

Malukas will make his Team Penske debut in the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet at the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1, live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network.