{
  "id": 1080705,
  "title": "David Malukas hails new Markham IndyCar circuit as “a blast”",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/david-malukas-hails-new-markham-indycar-circuit-as-a-blast",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-15T17:06:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motorsport.com",
    "slug": "motorsport-com",
    "url": "https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/david-malukas-hails-new-markham-indycar-circuit-as-a-blast/10846545/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "David Malukas, the 24-year-old driver for Team Penske, expressed his enthusiasm for the newly opened Markham IndyCar circuit in Ontario. The race took place on a temporary street course with 12 turns and a length of 2.19 miles, featuring a resurfaced asphalt surface that Malukas found to be exceptionally smooth. He described the track as \"fantastic\" and \"a blast,\" praising its technicality and the fun aspect of driving it.\n\nMalukas mentioned that the circuit posed some early challenges, with dust obscuring his vision during the first few laps. However, as drivers built grip on the surface, the track progressed smoothly, with lap times improving significantly. He noted that simulators could not fully replicate the real-world track conditions, particularly the elevation changes and unevenness in corners like Turn 10.\n\nThe driver highlighted the unique challenge posed by the hairpin turn, which offered a different elevation and elevation change compared to what simulators depicted. Despite this, Malukas found the bump at the entry of Turn 10 to be an exciting feature that added an extra layer of technicality to the race. He emphasized that the bump forced drivers to adjust their braking technique, making the corner more challenging but also more engaging.\n\nMalukas also mentioned that the softer alternate tires presented difficulties during the session, as the brakes had not yet reached optimal temperature. This issue caused a moment of frustration for him, as he nearly hit the wall due to the temperature mismatch between the tires and brakes. However, he quickly recovered with the help of his teammates, Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden, who provided valuable insights into the tire and brake situation.",
  "summary": "After Friday’s on-track activities were cancelled, compressing the IndyCar Series schedule into a busy Saturday, 24-year-old David Malukas emerged sixth fastest in opening practice for the inaugural Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham. The 24-year-old, currently sitting third in championship points, clocked a 1m15.3298s lap around the new 12-turn, 2.19-mile temporary street ... Keep reading",
  "key_points": [
    "David Malukas praises Markham IndyCar circuit as \"a blast\".",
    "Temporary street course with 12 turns, 2.19-mile length.",
    "Hairpin turn presents unique elevation challenge."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}