David Malukas remained upbeat after losing out on pole position to Alex Palou at World Wide Technology Raceway.
The Team Penske driver qualified second for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500, with Palou taking the top spot on the final run of the session.
Even so, Malukas will line up on the front row at a circuit where he has already produced one of his best performances in IndyCar.
David Malukas happy with front row despite narrow loss to Alex Palou
Palou secured pole with a two-lap average of 174.353 mph, just ahead of Malukas’ 173.244 mph in the No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet.
Malukas had briefly held provisional pole before Palou, the last driver to run, edged him out.
Malukas said he was pleased with the outcome, especially given the improvements made after practice.
“No, not disappointed. I’m really happy with this crew. It was such a guessing game trying to figure out where this car needed to be. It’s just the temperature change, everything was so drastic.”
Despite missing out on what would have been his second career pole, Malukas felt second place was a good result given the challenging conditions.
He also noted how track evolution played a role during the session.
“Just seeing my time compared to teammates’, (Kyle) Kirkwood going out, it almost seemed the track was getting a lot better. We were very fortunate being the last ones to go out… I had a strong feeling we weren’t going to get it there because Palou was going last.”
Malukas did not frame that as an excuse. It was simply a clear assessment of how the session unfolded.
WWT Raceway offers Malukas familiar ground for success
The Illinois circuit already holds a special place in Malukas’ career. Back in 2022, while driving for Dale Coyne Racing, he finished second behind Josef Newgarden and ahead of Scott McLaughlin.
That run helped build his reputation on ovals. Now, he returns to the same track with Team Penske and another major chance.
Malukas said the moment felt meaningful because of that previous breakthrough at the same venue.
“No, it is very cool. It all goes full circle. I always think back to that interview, thinking back to that moment. I mean, it’s a dream come true to be here. Super happy. We’re starting in that P2 spot.”
He is not getting carried away, though. Malukas knows how unpredictable oval racing can be, with cautions, timing and strategy often shaping the race as much as outright pace.
“We’ll see what this race brings. Obviously it’s an oval, yellows, all that stuff can happen. A little bit luck of the draw. As long as we’re in the right position, we have an opportunity for it.”
That is the right outlook for this moment. Malukas missed pole to the strongest qualifier in the field, but second place still gives him a serious chance on race day.
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