Frankie Muniz gained international acclaim in the early 2000s, playing the role as the title character of the NBC sitcom, Malcolm in the Middle. And now, he will have a chance at fighting for a racing championship in 2023.
On 11 January, Rette Jones Racing announced that Muniz will join their organzination for the full ARCA schedule in 2023. A year before, Muniz drove in the ARCA pre-race practice session at Daytona for Fast Track Racing. He will once again participate in the test session this year, to prepare for the upcoming season.
Frankie’s driving career dates back to 2004, running in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, eventually transitioning to open-wheel racing. In 2021, he joined High Point Racing to run select late model races in the SRL Southwest Tour.
“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,” stated Muniz in the team’s press release. “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 was originally scheduled to make his ARCA Menards Series West debut at Phoenix Raceway in November last year, but those plans ended up falling through.
“We are very excited to welcome Frankie Muniz to the Rette Jones Racing family for the full 2023 ARCA Menards Series schedule,” stated team owner, Mark Rette. “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. Furthermore, we’re excited that, because of Frankie’s profile, new audiences and fans will be introduced to the sport and Rette Jones Racing.”
Rette Jones Racing will also switch to the Ford Mustang body for 2023, after running Fusions for the past few years.
The ARCA Menards Series season-opener will kick off at Daytona International Speedway for the Lucas Oil 200 on 18 February.
