Team Penske Names Conor Daly as Stand‑In After David Malukas Crash at Nashville

Team Penske’s David Malukas crashes during the INTT INDYCAR Series Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway on July 18, 2026 in Lebanon, Tennessee. (Photo by Brandon Badraoui/Lumen via Getty Images)

Lumen via Getty Images

Team Penske has tapped veteran IndyCar driver Conor Daly to drive the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet after regular driver David Malukas crashed heavily in Turn 2 during Saturday practice at Nashville Superspeedway.

The incident occurred in the same turn where Malukas previously crashed a year earlier.

During the run, the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet entered the turn at speed, spun, and impacted the SAFER barrier with great force.

The force of the impact was severe enough to tear the steering wheel from its mounts inside the cockpit.

Malukas required assistance to leave the car but was able to walk unaided to the AMR safety vehicle before being escorted to IndyCar medical for evaluation.

He remained awake, alert, and in good spirits while under evaluation, according to IndyCar deputy medical director Dr. Angie Fiege. Later, a private vehicle took him to a nearby hospital for additional tests, and he has not returned to the track.

The crash also inflicted damage to the SAFER barrier.

Enter Conor Daly

Conor Daly arrived at the Nashville Superspeedway garage and proceeded into a briefing inside the Team Penske transporter. Shortly thereafter, Team Penske President Jonathan Diuguid explained that the team had selected him to perform a shakedown run with the backup car during Saturday’s qualifying sessions in order to prepare it for the evening’s final practice.

\”If the car is ready for qualifying, Conor will conduct a shakedown run for us and treat it as an installation check,\” Diuguid said. \”We already carry a nine‑place grid penalty for that car’s engine, so we’re working to get the backup prepared. After qualifying, if we’re able to run, we’ll assess David’s condition for final practice. He’s still being evaluated, and we’re awaiting the results.\”

\”We prefer not to disclose detailed health information at this time, but he exited the car on his own and walked away. He is currently undergoing evaluation by medical personnel.\”

Diuguid indicated he anticipated Malukas could return to the track following qualifying, which is slated to commence at 2:00 p.m. Central (3:00 p.m. ET).

Team Penske Details Damage To Malukas’ Car

Team Penske Vice President of Competition Travis Law outlined the crew’s effort to prepare the backup car for qualifying, noting that the damage to the primary No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet was too extensive to be repaired in time.

\”Matt Jonsson has been doing a great job working with the crew to rebuild the car here, and we have moved to the spare car with the engine and gearbox,\” Law said from the Nashville Superspeedway garage. \”The team has performed well to get into position and ready to go back out.\”

\”We estimate a minimum of 3½ hours to complete the necessary work, so we’re pushing to finish now rather than waiting for the race. Our immediate priority is to have the car ready for final practice later this evening,\” he added.

Law noted that the primary car will be transported to the Team Penske shop in Mooresville, North Carolina for a more detailed damage assessment.

\”We aim to take the safest approach and assess all other aspects once we return home,\” Law said. \”It’s a united team with a shared pride; everyone steps up in moments of adversity, and that solidarity is evident right now.\”

\”If the backup car is ready for qualifying, great; if not, we’ll concentrate on tonight’s practice session,\” he concluded.

Should the backup be ready in time, Conor Daly will drive it onto the 1.33‑mile Nashville Superspeedway for a shakedown run during qualifying.

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