The Freedom 250 Grand Prix circuit has proved to be a treacherous one, and that was highlighted in a frightening crash involving a pair of drivers early in the race.
On lap 36 of 147, Team Penske’s David Malukas, who qualified in the top 6, was making his way through the final corner but appeared to clip the inside wall of the Washington, DC street circuit.
That sent him into the wall hard, but things got worse.
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Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Sting Ray Robb was behind Malukas at the time and came around the corner on the racing line, completely unaware that Malukas’ No. 12 Chevrolet had come to a stop in his path.
Robb’s No. 77 Chevrolet T-boned Malukas and brought out the third caution of the day, the first for something other than debris.
David Malukas’ No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet is towed away after a brutal crash in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images))
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Fortunately, both drivers hopped out of their cars, making them the first two retirements of the afternoon.
It was an unfortunate end to Malukas’ weekend; the 24-year-old from Chicago is in his first season with Team Penske and has driven well. He came to Washington, DC third in the championship standings, but is still searching for that elusive first IndyCar win.
David Malukas has had a solid debut season with Team Penske, but has also dealt with his share of rough weekends. ((Credit Image: © Justin Cooper/Cal Sport Media/Sipa USA))
It’s going to come at some point, but there’s no doubt that taking the top step of the podium for the first time within sight of Capitol Hill would’ve been something.
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This was not Malukas’ first scary crash of the season. He had another nasty one a few weeks earlier in Nashville that sent him to the hospital. However, he returned in time to compete in the race.