2022 rookies Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas now rivals at top IndyCar teams after 2026 season

INDYCAR.com reported (Oct. 5, 2026) that Kyle Kirkwood and David Malukas, who began as part of the 2022 rookie class, have emerged as leading competitors in the series. The article states Kirkwood drives for Andretti Global and finished second in the 2026 championship, while Malukas races for Team Penske, finished fifth in 2026 and was Team Penske’s top points finisher. It also notes Malukas turned 25 on Sept. 27 and Kirkwood is from Jupiter, Florida and turns 28 on Oct. 19.

The story traces their shared roots — both started karting in Florida in 2009 — and sketches key career moves: Kirkwood joined Andretti Global in 2023 and won at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach (the third event in 2023) and later at Nashville; Malukas began with Dale Coyne Racing in 2022, was signed by Team Penske for 2026, and had an Arrow McLaren move in 2024 end after an offseason mountain-biking injury that led to his release before he started for that team.

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