Analysis: The IndyCar season has just started but free agency is in full swing after only 2 races

IndyCar, after just two races, is suddenly rife with rumors about driver free agency with its biggest month coming up. Blame it on a mountain bike trail out West and a mistake by David Malukas back in February.

The Arrow McLaren driver dislocated his wrist and tore tendons in a mountain biking crash a month before the IndyCar season opener that was supposed to be his debut race with his new team. At the time, McLaren officials thought he would miss the first two races of the season.

Unfortunately not. When the 22-year-old Malukas misses Sunday’s race at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabam, he will have been out of the car for six outings that includes an exhibition race and an Indianapolis 500 test.

McLaren has no idea if he will remain part of the team’s future. The team announced Tuesday that reigning F2 champion Theo Pourchaire will race this weekend at Barber after finishing 11th in his IndyCar debut at Long Beach.