AVONDALE, Ariz. – David Malukas expected to contend for every NTT IndyCar race in 2026 and solidified that sentiment Friday, March 6, at Phoenix Raceway with his first-ever pole position.

In his first oval start with Team Penske, the 24-year-old dropped a 175.383 mph lap around the one-mile desert oval. Malukas led teammate Josef Newgarden, locking out the front row for the Good Ranchers 250 with owner Roger Penske in attendance for the team's 60th anniversary.

“I'm just on a high,” Malukas said. “That transcends into the driving. If you're confident, you're happy, you're having a good time, then the driving is going to be that much better.

“It feels good to be in this environment. And to get my first pole with Team Penske with the captain being here as well, with NASCAR, it's all coming full circle.”

When Malukas joined Penske, he would be tasked with measuring up to Will Power, the former driver of the No. 12, whom “Little Dave” grew up watching. In 17 years with Penske, Power notched 45 wins and two series titles.

“Penske has always been my dream,” Malulas said. “There's definitely pressure there.”

According to Malukas, that burden followed him from team to team throughout his career. 

“I've always had a form of pressure to deal with, and I think that for Team Penske it's a special pressure,” Malukas said of this opportunity. “It's one that I'm very excited to deal with.”

Perhaps pressure pushed Malukas to go fast, as the driver of the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet paced opening practice at 175.605 mph and day one of the Al Unser IndyCar Open Test in February.

“I still can't believe it,” Malukas said. “I'm pinching myself every day, the fact that this is real.”

Newgarden clocked in at 20.6046 seconds, averaging 174.548 mph. He congratulated his teammate “Little Dave” on the pole award and joked about what comes next for Malukas.

“He has to win a race before he's Big Dave,” Newgarden said. “It's his rule. I think he came up with it.” 

Driver No. 2 scored the victory at the last Phoenix race in 2019 and is the most recent IndyCar winner on an oval. Newgarden expressed confidence in his car and looks forward to Saturday.

“I felt like we did a good job,” Newgarden said. “We just didn't get it perfect, but at the end of the day, all of us being in the top five is a great starting spot for this race and something we can work with.”

The third Penske car, piloted by Scott McLaughlin, rolls off from the fifth position. Rookie Mick Schumacher impressed in his oval debut, going fourth quick at 173.667 mph. Power suffered a hard crash and bruised his knee during the second lap of his qualifying run.

“The car was just loose from the outset,” Power said with a frown. "It's not ideal right now to start this oval race like this.”

Power will go to a backup car before Saturday's race. The Good Ranchers 250 starts Saturday, March 7, at 3 p.m. EST on Fox Sports and will be followed by the NASCAR O’Riley’s Auto Parts Series as part of the doubleheader weekend with NASCAR.