Frankie Muniz is well-known for his acting career, specifically for playing Malcolm in the hit TV show Malcolm in the Middle, but many didn’t know about his love for racing before his ARCA Menards Series ride for the 2023 season.
Muniz, 37, used to compete in races from 2004 to 2011 before stepping away from the scene. Then, the 37-year-old driver returned for his stock car racing debut with High Point Racing in the SRL Pro Late Model Series in October 2021.
Fast forward to 2023, and Muniz drives the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing on a full-time basis in the ARCA Menards Series. With ambitions to make it to the NASCAR Cup Series, Muniz is looking to move up to the next level.
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Frankie Muniz planning on move to the NASCAR Xfinity or Truck Series in 2024
Muniz is currently in his first full-time season in the ARCA Menards Series and has been running pretty well. The driver of the No. 30 car sits second in the point standings behind Venturini Motorsports driver Jesse Love.
The goal for Muniz is to win the ARCA Menards Series championship but this has still been a successful start. He has five top-10 finishes in seven races, which is the third-highest in the series behind Love and Andres Perez De Lara.
Muniz also has the second-highest average finishing position among full-time drivers. All of this has proven that he can get it done on the race track and that it’s not a grab for attention. Now, he is looking to make even bigger gains by moving up the ranks.
The 37-year-old driver talked to Forbes’ Joseph Wolkin about being a race car driver, the ARCA Menards Series, and what he has his eyes on next. Muniz’s answers aren’t surprising as he is a fierce competitor.
“Maybe they don’t see me as a threat yet, but I’m coming. This isn’t a fluke. I know it’s a very lofty goal for me to set, but I want to race in the (NASCAR Cup Series). I’m pretty sure every driver probably says that, but I really do. I’m 37 years old, and I’m getting into the sport of stock car racing. I definitely plan on moving up, and the plan is to move up to the (NASCAR Xfinity Series) or the (NASCAR Truck Series) next year.
As of right now, it’s contingent on how the rest of this season goes. I don’t want to move up too fast. I don’t want to be a 30th-place guy. I want to show up and feel we have a chance. It has to do with sponsorship, too.”
Frankie Muniz on his future in NASCAR beyond 2023
It is clear that Muniz is serious about making a name for himself in NASCAR moving forward. The plan of moving up to the NASCAR Xfinity or Truck Series is not a bad idea if he continues his development on the race track.
With crucial help and guidance from several NASCAR drivers, Muniz is beginning to grab the attention of those who didn’t think he would do well in his transition to stock car racing. The fact that he sits second in the ARCA Menards Series standings proves his worth.
Sure, it might be a development series but every driver needs to have a start and this is how Muniz’s journey begins. There is no reason why he can’t continue this success and it would not be surprising to see him drastically improve by the end of the year.
If sponsorship and the right deal come around, where could Muniz end up for the 2024 NASCAR season? Continue reading to find out three ideal NASCAR teams for the New Jersey native!
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3 ideal NASCAR teams for Frankie Muniz to pursue for the 2024 season
Muniz’s debut season in the ARCA Menards Series has gone well and that has created a desire to compete at higher levels of stock car racing. So, which NASCAR organizations should give Muniz’s talent an opportunity?
TRICON Garage would be a very solid starting point for Muniz in a possible jump to the NASCAR Truck Series. The organization could give him a part-time or full-time opportunity in the No. 1 truck depending on sponsorship.
The ARCA Menards Series driver would be in good equipment as he learns to adjust to better competition. TRICON Garage would also benefit as the No. 1 truck could secure more sponsorship overall.
ThorSport Racing would be another Truck Series program that makes a lot of sense. There could be an opening for a full-time opportunity depending on what happens with the driver lineup and unlike TRICON Garage, the organization is backed by Ford.
Muniz could also drive the No. 66 truck on a part-time basis as the fifth entry has competed in a few races during the 2023 season. Overall, ThorSport Racing would be another good option as they represent a chance at good equipment.
Finally, RSS Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series would be a good option if skipping the Truck Series is the end goal. Many drivers end up taking this route as the Truck Series can be detrimental to some drivers and their development.
The organization is backed by Ford and would give Muniz a shot in solid equipment overall. RSS Racing has made the playoffs in the past so there is previous success. Plus, the 37-year-old driver would be next to Xfinity Series veteran Ryan Sieg in the No. 39 car.
Frankie Muniz is serious about his NASCAR journey and the success seen in the ARCA Menards Serries indicates that he is not messing around with this opportunity. If the cards align and Muniz has an opportunity in NASCAR’s top three levels, it will be hard to pass up.