Actor Frankie Muniz to Race Fulltime in NASCAR

A file image of actor Frankie Muniz at the 35th Annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race practice in Long Beach, Calif., on April 15, 2011. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Television and film actor Frankie Muniz is dedicating himself full-time to race car driving at age 38, he announced on Jan. 12.

“Finally making my dream a reality, this one is for my son and showing him that you can always chase your dreams,” Muniz said via Twitter.

“Excited for this opportunity with Rette Jones Racing, Ford, and our partners to go full time racing for an ARCA National Series Championship in 2023,” he said.

Muniz is widely known as an actor for his roles in “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Agent Cody Banks.”

Rette Jones Racing Team

In 2006 Muniz took a break from the entertainment world to pursue a career in racing. He was in the sport until 2009, when a racing accident resulted in multiple surgeries.

Now he is back and will be competing in NASCAR in a Ford Mustang for Rette Jones Racing.

Muniz will be starting on Feb. 18 at Daytona, Fla., competing in the ARCA Menards Series championship, in a statement issued by Rette Jones Racing.

“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,” Muniz said in the statement.

Muniz said he was in discussions with other NASCAR stakeholders before deciding to join Rette Jones Racing.

Headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., Rette Jones Racing is owned by veteran racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette. This year they plan to field a full-time entry in 2023 in the ARCA Menards Series while also planning to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series East respectively.

“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,” Rette said.

“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.”

Jones said he had faith in Muniz joining their team full-time for the season.

“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,” Jones said.

Rette Jones Racing has had a longtime partnership with Ford Performance, and this year they will include, for the first time in Daytona, the Ford Mustang.