IndyCar driver David Malukas ruled out of qualifying after big crash at Nashville Superspeedway

An IndyCar driver demonstrates a pit stop on Executive Avenue in Washington in a preview of the America 250 Grand Prix on July 13, 2026.

It's a big weekend for IndyCar with the series' race at Nashville Superspeedway Sunday getting a big lead-in from the FIFA World Cup final. 

But it got off to a scary start after a big crash for Team Penske's David Malukas that has ruled him out of Saturday's qualifying session.

Malukas, in his first season behind the wheel of the No. 12 Chevrolet, lost the rear of his car mid-corner and went left rear first into the SAFER barrier during practice on Saturday morning.

The impact of the crash destroyed the rear of Malukas' car.

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That was obviously the end of Malukas' practice session, and he was reported to be "awake, alert and in good spirits."

Team Penske's David Malukas was involved a crash in practice at Nashville Superspeedway that heavily damaged his No. 12 Chevrolet and sent him to the hospital. (Brandon Badraoui/Lumen via Getty Images)

But a little bit later, it was revealed that Malukas had been taken to a local hospital for further testing and evaluation.

IndyCar vet Conor Daly has since been tapped to take over Malukas' car for qualifying. However, his status for Saturday evening's practice and Sunday's race, the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix, remains unclear.

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Interestingly, Malukas was already set to serve a nine-place grid penalty due to an unapproved engine change.

David Malukas will miss qualifying, and Conor Daly will take his place. The team