TV sitcom star to test at Daytona, race full time in ARCA Series in 2023
Most might consider a successful acting gig on a popular sitcom to be a dream job.
But having already cleared that hurdle in the early 2000s, Frankie Muniz has since been exploring other aspirations.
“Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR,” Muniz said via release on Wednesday.
Now, at age 37, Muniz has that chance.
The two-time Golden Globe nominee and former Emmy nominee for his work on the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006), announced that he will drive the No. 30 Rette Jones Racing Ford Mustang full time this season in the ARCA Menards Series. He will take part in testing this weekend at Daytona International Speedway.
“It was important for me to partner with a team that aligned with my long-term objectives and vision, while providing every opportunity imaginable to grow mentally and physically as a full-time race car driver,” Muniz said. “I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious I am in progressing in my racing career, but also showing my son and family what it is to chase your dreams and re-invent yourself.”
Certainly, Muniz’s name will bring interest to the sport and the team and that was a selling point for owners Mark Rette and Terry Jones. But both also stressed their belief in Muniz’s ability.
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“Over the years, we’ve prided ourselves on working with new drivers who have quickly adapted to the diversity of the ARCA Menards Series and, without a doubt, we believe Frankie can do the same,” Rette said. “It is not going to be easy, and there will be a learning curve — but with his passion, focus and commitment, along with the capabilities of our team, we believe we are going to put him in a position to contend for multiple wins in 2023.
“Furthermore, we’re excited that, because of Frankie’s profile, new audiences and fans will be introduced to the sport and Rette Jones Racing.”
It won’t be Muniz’s first laps at the World Center of Racing. He drove the pace car for the 2001 Daytona 500, the race in which Dale Earnhardt Sr. was tragically killed. He also took part in ARCA testing at Daytona last year as well.
But this time around, it will be in preparation for a full season, his first in stock-car racing, and it comes as the latest venture in a busy 20-plus years for Muniz.
Muniz, who also has 24 movies to his credit, took a break from acting in 2006 to pursue racing and competed in in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007-2009. In the final season of that run, Muniz was involved in a crash at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, breaking his back and nearly losing his thumb. As a result, an upcoming IndyCar deal was shelved.
Afterward, Muniz explored other mediums, including music, where he served as the drummer for rock band Kingsfoil from 2012-2014. In 2017, he competed on Dancing with the Stars and co-hosted the show in 2018.
It all led to a return to the racetrack in October of 2021 as he made his stock-car debut in an SRL Pro Late Model race. Jones believes Muniz could contend right away.
“2023 is set up to be one of the most memorable seasons for Rette Jones Racing since our inception in 2016,” he said. “Without a doubt, we believe in Frankie’s ability and commitment, and with Mark’s leadership we believe that he will quickly adapt on the track and contend for a championship in his rookie season.”