NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Santino Ferrucci signed a contract extension with AJ Foyt Racing on Thursday that may pair him with David Malukas subsequent season on the resurgent staff.

The Foyt staff has proven appreciable progress this yr beneath an alliance with Group Penske, and Ferrucci received the primary pole of his profession final month. The take care of Ferrucci was described as a multiyear extension and introduced forward of Sunday’s season-ending IndyCar race.

“I am completely satisfied that Santino’s again,” Foyt mentioned. “We bought to know him extra and he bought to know us, and I believe it made a distinction. He did a terrific job this yr, and I hope we’ve a fair higher yr subsequent yr.”

Ferrucci, who lives in Dallas and drives for the staff based mostly in Waller, Texas, joined the staff final yr and drove to a career-best third-place end within the Indianapolis 500. The 26-year-old is on tempo to complete tenth within the closing IndyCar standings, which might be a profession greatest for Ferrucci.

“I am thrilled to proceed with Santino within the No. 14 automotive,” mentioned Larry Foyt, staff president. “We’ve actually jelled over the past two seasons, and he is a giant a part of our current success. This continuity is nice for the staff and I consider the pairing of Ferrucci and Malukas subsequent season is a robust mixture for AJ Foyt Racing.”

AJ Foyt Racing has not had a automotive contained in the top-10 of the ultimate standings since 2002.

“I believe Larry’s achieved a terrific job constructing the staff so they’re now ready to win an Indy 500 and compete for championships,” Ferrucci mentioned. “Everyone that is there may be what made this staff’s superb turnaround. We have all put a whole lot of time, power and laborious work into this program and I actually need to see it by means of, not simply as the motive force however on a private degree too.”

The alliance with Penske has helped the turnaround. The Indianapolis 500 entrance row in qualifying in Could was the primary all-Group Penske entrance row since 1988, and AJ Foyt Racing has considerably improved its performances on the street and avenue programs.

Ferrucci has six of his 10 top-10 finishes on street and avenue programs.

The season ends Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway.