A.J. Foyt Racing driver David Malukas was in high spirits when asked about his offseason activities ahead of the upcoming IndyCar season. However, the question about mountain biking—given the infamous accident last offseason that cost him a McLaren ride and left him with a broken wrist—brought out a laugh from the young driver.
“I think I’ve officially retired from mountain biking,” Malukas joked. “Last year’s experience was enough to teach me that maybe I should stick to four wheels instead of two.”
The Setback That Changed His Plans
Last offseason, Malukas suffered a broken wrist in a mountain biking accident that derailed his plans for a pivotal season with McLaren. The injury forced him to reevaluate both his fitness regimen and his approach to offseason activities, which became a topic of humor and reflection during preseason interviews.
“That accident really made me think about what I do in the offseason,” Malukas said. “It’s tough because you want to stay active, but as a driver, you also have to remember what’s at stake. I can’t afford to miss races—or lose opportunities—because I thought it’d be fun to ride down a mountain.”
A More “Dangerous” Offseason?
When asked about his most daring offseason activity this year, Malukas grinned and offered a surprising answer: “Honestly, the most ‘dangerous’ thing I did this offseason was probably grocery shopping at 6 p.m. on a Friday. That’s when things get intense—you’ve got people fighting for parking spots, carts coming out of nowhere, and a serious lack of patience. It’s chaos!”
The lighthearted response highlighted Malukas’ focus on keeping things low-risk this time around, ensuring he entered 2025 in top shape.
Looking Ahead with A.J. Foyt Racing
Now with A.J. Foyt Racing, Malukas is focused on making an impact in his new ride. The team, known for its storied history in IndyCar, is looking to build on recent progress, and Malukas is optimistic about their potential together.
“This offseason, I focused on staying healthy, working on my fitness, and getting to know the team,” Malukas explained. “I feel more prepared than ever, and I’m excited about what we can achieve this season.”
A Lesson Learned
Malukas’ injury last year serves as a cautionary tale for drivers who enjoy adrenaline-fueled hobbies outside of racing. While he hasn’t sworn off adventure completely, the 21-year-old is taking a more measured approach to his downtime.
“I’ve learned that being a race car driver doesn’t mean I need to chase thrills 24/7,” Malukas said. “I’ll leave the risky stuff for the racetrack.”
