SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Three young drivers who dominated the Indy Lights Series last season are getting more reps in an Indy car this week with hopes of impressing some IndyCar team owners.
The test was comparable to the NFL Scouting Combine, but for young drivers who are looking to make the jump to the NTT IndyCar Series.
Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, and Linus Lundqvist all turned laps on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course on Monday. Kirkwood tested in the No. 26 car for Andretti Autosport while Lundqvist did the same in the No. 29 car. Malukas turned laps in for Team Penske in the No. 2 car.
“Overall a great day,” Kirkwood said of the test. “We got to drive there for three hours and kept me in it pretty much the entire time. I think we were quickest overall, but that aside just an amazing day driving an Indy car!”
Kirkwood is rumored to have a part-time ride with Andretti next year in IndyCar but has been given permission by the team to seek other options for next year. Kirkwood won the Indy Lights championship last season with Andretti Autosport.
Malukas is all but confirmed to drive for Dale Coyne Racing next season and says he had a blast testing for Team Penske.
“Just to even get into the car and see the whole Penske crew and the people working for me, it was a really cool experience,” said Malukas. “Any time I get into it I was just getting back into it. The car is beautiful. The braking, the horsepower, just an all-around beautiful car.”
The test session was the first time for Lundqvist in an Indy car.
“I’s absolutely incredible,” he said. “Been watching these cars for so many years and dreaming of actually having a go at it. This was the place to do it and not to bad of a place to do it as well!”
Lundqvist is hoping for a crack at the top series next season but is also keeping his options open of returning for another year in the Indy Lights Series.
