Former child star Frankie Muniz is moving from the soundstage to the racetrack. He will join the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year, starting with a race Saturday at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Muniz plans to run a limited schedule in 2024, driving the No. 35 Ford Performance Mustang.
“I am very fortunate to have the unwavering support of Ford and Ford Performance through my NASCAR journey, and I am very humbled yet excited to be teamed up with Joey Gase Motorsports to attempt my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut next weekend at Daytona International Speedway,” Muniz said in a news release.
The 38-year-old finished fourth in the ARCA Menards Series last year, his first full season of stock car racing. The Xfinity Series is NASCAR’s second-tier circuit.
“I know that moving up to Xfinity is a big leap for me, given my limited experience in stock cars,” the driver said. “I understand the challenges ahead and know it will not always be easy. I want to thank Wayne Auton and Brett Bodine at NASCAR for believing in me and allowing me to compete in the Xfinity Series this season.”
The “Malcolm in the Middle” star left acting in 2006 to pursue open-wheel racing, competing in Formula BMW USA. He has returned to acting in recent years, but maintained an interest in racing. In 2021, he decided to pivot to stock car racing.
“Joey Gase Motorsports is proud to welcome Frankie to the team,” Gase said. “Undoubtedly, he brings a lot of attention to our team and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but throughout the last couple of weeks, I’ve never seen a driver more determined or focused than Frankie.”
Muniz said he knows how competitive this year’s races will be, but he remains undaunted.
“I know that I have an enormous amount to learn, but you won’t find someone more dedicated than I am when it comes to chasing a dream.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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