Why 'Malcolm in the Middle' Star Frankie Muniz Is Driving in the ARCA Menards Series

• Actor Frankie Muniz was a fixture at several pro-celebrity racing events as far back as 2004.

• He even made it to the podium at a pro-celebrity race, driving a Toyota Celica to a third-place finish at Long Beach in 2005, finishing behind professionals Rhys Millen and Ryan Arciero.

• The ARCA deal is supported by Ford Performance, the racing arm of the Ford Motor Company and a partner of the Rette Jones Racing team.

Actor Frankie Muniz has never been able to quite shake the racing bug. Now, he's finally getting a chance to act on it.

Muniz, the 37-year-old former child star who made a name for himself on FOX's Malcolm in the Middle from 2000 through 2006 and in the feature film Agent Cody Banks in 2004, is jumping into the racing game. Muniz announced this week that he's secured a ride with Rette Jones Racing to race the full season in the ARCA Menards Series.

The ARCA deal is supported by Ford Performance, the racing arm of the Ford Motor Company and a partner of the Rette Jones Racing team. ARCA is owned by NASCAR, and several graduates of the ARCA Series have moved on to race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Xfinity Series and even Cup Series.

“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,” said Muniz.

“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 has always had racing in the back of his mind. He was a fixture at several pro-celebrity events as far back as 2004. He even made it to the podium at a pro-celebrity race, driving a Toyota Celica to a third-place finish at Long Beach in 2005, finishing behind professionals Rhys Millen and Ryan Arciero. Others in that field included Meat Loaf, Patrick Dempsey and volleyball star Misty May-Treanor, all of whom were no match for Muniz that day.

Rette Jones Racing is led by motorsports veteran Terry Jones and former ARCA championship crew chief Mark Rette.

“We are very excited to welcome Frankie Muniz to the Rette Jones Racing family for the full 2023 ARCA Menards Series schedule,” Rette said. “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.”

At Rette Jones Racing, which was formed in 2016, Muniz will drive a Ford Mustang.

"Ford is pleased to welcome Frankie Muniz to our performance family. Frankie is not only a successful actor, but also a skilled and enthusiastic racer,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports.

“He is dedicated to continue growing as a professional stock car racer, and we believe he will make a valuable contribution to the ARCA program at Rette Jones Racing."

The ARCA Menards Series kicks off its 2023 season at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18.