Frankie Muniz, greatest referred to as ‘Malcolm,’ begins NASCAR careerJanuary 13, 2023

There is likely to be a reboot on the horizon for actor Frankie Muniz, one aptly titled “Malcolm within the Center of a Pileup.”

Muniz, who starred in “Malcolm within the Center” and “Agent Cody Banks,” introduced this week that he’s competing as a full-time race automotive driver within the ARCA Menards Collection. It’s a low-level feeder sequence for NASCAR – one which sometimes options less-experienced drivers – and can function a place to begin for Muniz’s stock-car profession.

The 37-year-old Muniz bought behind the wheel of the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing throughout a take a look at session Friday at Daytona Worldwide Speedway and stated, “I wished this my total life.”

His first of 20 scheduled races in 2023 will come at Daytona on Feb. 18.

“I need to show to those that like I’m right here to take it severely,” Muniz stated throughout a half-hour Zoom with reporters. “I’m not simply right here for a fluke. I’m not simply right here for publicity. I wished this my total life, you realize what I imply?

“I’m mad I waited 12 years after my final racing expertise to get right here. I need individuals to have a look at me and see me on observe and go, `Wow, he belongs,’ and I’m able to show to everybody that I do. Hopefully I do.”

A protracted-time racing fanatic, Muniz drove the tempo automotive for the 2001 Daytona 500 – a race through which seven-time Cup Collection champion Dale Earnhardt was killed on the ultimate lap. Coincidentally, the chassis of the automotive Muniz is scheduled to drive at Daytona within the ARCA season opener was pushed by Sterling Marlin that fateful day greater than 20 years in the past.

Muniz stated Earnhardt signed his jacket earlier than the race and even advised him how a lot he cherished “Malcolm within the Center.”

“He stated, `Your present has introduced me and my daughter a lot nearer collectively. I really like your present,”’ Muniz recalled. “And it was like insane to me that Dale Earnhardt is telling me that.”

Muniz has lengthy been a racing fanatic and first began enthusiastic about turning into an expert driver in 2004 after competing within the Toyota Professional/Movie star Race in Lengthy Seashore, California. He’s additionally raced in Formulation BMW occasions in addition to the Champ Automobile Atlantic Collection.

His final full-time season got here in 2009. He stated he broke his again, broke an ankle and had a pin inserted into his hand following a crash. He has raced sporadically since.

As a substitute of getting again in a race automotive instantly, he grew to become drummer of the indie rock band Kingsfoil. Extra not too long ago, he married Paige Value they usually had a son in 2021.

“I simply took longer to heal than I assumed,” Muniz stated. “Not that you must basically begin over, however I missed a whole season and I bought a chance to be in a band. I do know that sounds loopy. I used to be touring the world taking part in drums, so plenty of issues simply sort of took over my life and I dove in 100%.

“I’ve at all times thought at the back of my thoughts I used to be going to return racing. Because the years have gone on, it felt additional and additional away. So once I had my son 19 months in the past, it actually made me go, `What am I? Who am I? Who do I need to be to my son or what I need him to see me doing?”’

Muniz determined he wished to race once more.

“That’s what I’ve at all times stated I felt like I used to be essentially the most comfy doing. Realistically I’m outdated to be getting began within the racing world,” he stated. “However in that very same sense, it motivates me that I’ve bought to reap the benefits of the chance I’ve at present.

“I don’t have time to attend. So hopefully that helps the development, go just a little faster as a result of I’ve the motivation. I’m in the precise mindset.”

He expects loads of “Malcolm within the Center” jokes throughout races, a lot in order that he’s contemplating making T-shirts to promote at occasions.

“I’m going to capitalize on that earlier than another person does,” he stated.