After winning last weekend’s race from World Wide Technology Raceway, Josef Newgarden made sure to take time to praise the runner-up David Malukas for his driving.
Malukas nearly stole the show in the final laps, muscling his way from fifth to second, with the final pass being completed around the outside of Scott McLaughlin on the last lap.
The rookie would likely have been able to challenge for the lead as well, but he ran out of time and placed second in his maiden podium finish.
Newgarden could see that Malukas was charging behind him, but was not worried about a potential fight for the lead. The two-time champion praised the 20-year-old driver for his racing standards, and felt that the battle for the win would have been a clean one.
“I would give Malukas a lot of respect,” said Newgarden post-race. “He’s probably been one of the cleanest rookies I’ve ever seen. He’s just been like the most respectful driver I’ve seen out of a rookie in a long time.
“I think he’s starting to say, ‘How much can I push on people?’ He probably would have done that tonight, but I would have felt comfortable racing with him. I think he’s the best rookie I’ve seen in a long time to be racing respectfully.
Newgarden went on to describe that the driving standards in IndyCar have turned more aggressive in recent years, and that could possibly hurt Malukas if he doesn’t match the aggression.
“He’s been almost too respectful,” continued Newgarden. “He’s been doing a great job. It is true that if you’re too respectful you can get run over in this series. I said that in Nashville. I didn’t say it in joking fashion.
“That’s how people race these days. You have to put your elbows out, you got to fight people now. If you don’t, they’re going to fight you back and you’re going to end up passed or in the wall.”
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