David Malukas says a Chevrolet engine hesitation cost him his first IndyCar win at The Milwaukee Mile. The 24-year-old, driving the #12 Team Penske Chevrolet, started third in the resumed Race 1 after finishing fourth in Race 2. A late restart hesitation allowed Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward to take the victory instead.
Malukas blamed the engine issue for the hesitation that dropped him out of contention. He had been running strongly before the pit call put him into traffic, compounding the problem. The loss marks another near-miss for the Chicago native in his IndyCar campaign.
O’Ward capitalized on the opportunity, securing his first win of the season with a clean restart. The result shifts momentum in the championship fight as the series heads to the next round.
