David Malukas recently described an emotional milestone in his IndyCar career, recalling how he used to imagine racing alongside his hero, Scott Dixon IndyCar racing idol, as a child. Now a full-fledged competitor with AJ Foyt Racing, Malukas shared how racing side-by-side with Dixon fulfilled a long-held dream during a practice session before the 2022 season opener at St. Petersburg.
Malukas made his IndyCar debut in 2022 driving for Dale Coyne Racing. In a candid interview with the YouTube channel Temple of Vroom, he recounted the surreal feeling of lining up on track with the six-time IndyCar champion, a moment decades in the making. His nostalgic memories of mimicking Dixon’s moves on a scooter inside his home as a kid resonated deeply during that first encounter.
When discussing whether he can enjoy IndyCar purely as a fan now, Malukas admitted watching races can be nerve-wracking, but reflected on his childhood reveries:
“Before that, I was a little kid watching it and getting like the scooter, bring it inside the house when my parents left and pretending I’m racing inside my house, it was Scott Dixon.”
Asked if he was starstruck when meeting Dixon for the first time, he responded:
“From IndyCar, yes. I was (starstruck) the first year (I met him), not gonna lie. When he just came, he was like ‘Hey, what’s up?’ I was just like, ‘…. (awkward)’.”
Malukas described the unforgettable experience of sharing the track in practice at St. Petersburg:
“The coolest part was going side by side with him in St. Pete in practice 1. We were still like… it was the second lap, we’re going slow, but still it was so surreal. As a kid, in my house on my scooter pretending I was side by side with him going around the dining table, and now I’m actually side-by-side with him on St. Pete. It was really like I can’t believe this is happening.”
Malukas Shares Podium with Hero Dixon in Second IndyCar Season
By 2023, Malukas’s career in IndyCar visibly progressed as he shared the podium with Scott Dixon. At the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, Dixon took the win while Malukas, still with Dale Coyne Racing, secured a third-place finish. This race was particularly special as it marked the same circuit where Malukas had earned his first career podium a year earlier.
These moments highlight the growing presence of the young American driver, who has transitioned from fan to competitor seamlessly alongside one of the series’ most accomplished veterans.
Early Influences: Witnessing the Indy 500 Shape Malukas’s Ambition
David Malukas credits witnessing Scott Dixon race at the Indianapolis 500 as a key factor in shaping his career path. As a child, Malukas idolized two drivers: Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher and IndyCar star Scott Dixon. Among his fondest memories, attending the historic Indy 500 in person stood out as the moment that solidified his desire to race professionally in IndyCar.
In an April 2025 FrontStretch interview, Malukas said:
“As a kid, I said, well, my favorite F1 driver at the time was Michael Schumacher, and then growing up in IndyCar was Scott Dixon, and ended up watching through all his races, and specifically the Indy 500. Going there as a kid and seeing it in person was kind of what hooked me, and I said, you know, I wanna do this.”
Now with AJ Foyt Racing in 2025, Malukas is enjoying his best season yet. He finished second to Alex Palou at the 109th running of the Indy 500 in May and sits 12th in the championship after nine races.
Scott Dixon’s Season Compared to Rising Competitors
Meanwhile, Scott Dixon is experiencing a more challenging 2025 campaign compared to his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Alex Palou, who currently dominates the series with a 93-point lead in the standings. Dixon holds fifth position in the championship and has reached the podium once at the season-opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
This contrast highlights a generational shift as established veterans like Dixon continue to forge competitiveness alongside emerging talents like Malukas and Palou.
Significance of Malukas’s Journey Sharing the Track with His Idol
David Malukas’s story epitomizes the powerful connection between fandom and professional achievement in motorsports. The journey from childhood dreams of racing Scott Dixon on a scooter at home to competing alongside and sharing podiums with the six-time champion embodies perseverance and passion.
As Malukas continues to develop his career at AJ Foyt Racing, his relationship with Dixon, both as a competitor and inspiration, underscores the enduring legacy of Scott Dixon IndyCar racing idol status. Their on-track encounters symbolize the passing of the torch to the next generation while maintaining respect for past greatness in the sport.