Who is Kamila Jurkus? Model cheering IndyCar's David Malukas, while Daniel Dye faces suspension over 'gay voice' joke

Racing worlds collided recently when a casual livestream chat between IndyCar and NASCAR drivers turned heads. David Malukas, the rising 24-year-old IndyCar talent with Team Penske, found himself at the centre not for his track skills, but for an offhand remark by NASCAR's Daniel Dye.

Dye, driving for Kaulig Racing, joked about Malukas using a "gay voice" during a crossover event, causing immediate backlash over homophobia. Kaulig suspended Dye indefinitely, after which he issued a public apology about his regret and ties to the LGBTQ+ community.


This flap pulled back the curtain on Malukas' low-key personal side. Fans, who usually tuned to his speed, like topping Phoenix qualifying at 175.383 mph, started digging into his relationship.


And amid this, his girlfriend, Kamila Jurkus, who's been spotted cheering at races, immediately came under the spotlight.

Who Is Kamila Jurkus?

Kamila Jurkus, Malukas' girlfriend, drew attention after the incident on the live stream, and people immediately turned to his private life. A Sportskeeda article from March 7, 2026, describes her as a civil engineer, model, and former pageant hopeful. She competed as Western Springs' rep in the 2022 Miss Illinois USA but didn't take the crown, gaining skills in public speaking that aid her now.

Jurkus’ educational qualifications and career trajectory

Jurkus has a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering-Cum Laude from the University of Alabama in 2023, confirmed by her LinkedIn profile. She's worked roles like project management intern at ARCO/Murray in 2021 and assistant at Project Management Partners from 2018-2020.

Today, she's Senior Business Development and Customer Success Manager at HMD Transport since January 2025, per LinkedIn, the logistics firm run by Malukas' dad, Henry, which ties into their family racing outfit, HMD Motorsports.

The couple's start date and meet-cute remain private to date. They've appeared together at IndyCar events through her professional links and personal support. At 25, from Western Springs, IL, Jurkus keeps a Facebook page as a "Civil Engineer". Malukas, who skipped college, remains on track while she builds a business.

Online tussle between Daniel and Malukas

Daniel Dye's comments dropped in during a Whatnot livestream, where he recalled meeting Malukas at an IndyCar-NASCAR crossover. Dye allegedly imitated Malukas' "gay voice," leading to instant backlash from fans on social media.


To this, Kaulig Racing responded, "Kaulig Racing has indefinitely suspended driver Daniel Dye, effective immediately, after becoming aware today of comments he made on social media".


Dye apologised immediately, "I chose my words poorly, and I understand why it upset people. I'm sorry to anyone who was offended. That's not how I want to represent myself," he said.

He added, “I have some close friends in the LGBTQ+ community who I would never want to feel less of themselves because of what I said, and that's exactly why I should hold myself to a higher standard.” Dye further added, “In talking with them, I realize that a true friend would know better than to act the way I did and for that I need to be a better friend.”