FRANKIE Muniz is finally getting to live his dream.
The child star was a staple on screens throughout the early 2000s, starring as the lead in the TV series Malcolm in the Middle and the Agent Cody Banks movies among other roles.
Now 37 years old, Muniz’s career is set to take a swift detour after he announced that he will be competing in NASCAR’s ARCA Menards Series championship this year.
He will be driving the No. 30 Ford Mustang for Rette Jones Racing, and in doing so, completing a lifelong dream.
In a statement, Muniz said: “It’s with the utmost excitement, optimism and gratitude that I’m joining Rette Jones Racing for the full ARCA Menards Series schedule this year.
“Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR, and 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.
“I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious how 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.”
Muniz also added in a tweet: “Finally making my dream a reality, this one is for my son and showing him that you can always chase your dreams.”
This marks the culmination of an almost two-decade-long journey in racing, which started back in 2006 after Malcolm in the Middle came to an end.
According to NASCAR, he kicked off his new career in open-wheel single-seater racing, before competing in the Formula BMW USA Championships.
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Then from 2007-09, Muniz called the Champ Car Atlantic Championship home.
Unfortunately, his racing career took a nasty turn for the worst when an accident at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course left him with a broken back and a left thumb that had essentially been “ripped off.”
This reportedly caused him to lose his potential IndyCar contract for 2010.
But this speedhump clearly didn’t stop him in the long run.
Rette Jones Racing’s Mark Rette said that they were “very excited to welcome Frankie Muniz to the Rette Jones Racing family for the full 2023 ARCA Menards Series schedule.
“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.
“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.”
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Fellow team owner Terry Jones added: “Without a doubt, we believe in Frankie’s ability and commitment, and with Mark’s leadership, we believe that he will quickly adapt on track and contend for a championship in his rookie season.”
Muniz will take to the wheel of the No. 30 Ford Mustang for the first time on February 18 at the Daytona International Speedway.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
