Frankie Muniz is gearing up for his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Daytona, where he will be behind the wheel of the No. 35 Joey Gase Motorsports Ford Mustang. Although not guaranteed a spot in the event, Muniz will need to qualify his way in. This race marks the beginning of what is anticipated to be a series of NXS races for Muniz this season, with Ford Performance sponsoring the endeavor.
While Muniz is widely recognized for his role in the sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle,” which earned him critical acclaim, including Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations, he has also made a name for himself in the world of films and television.
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Muniz has harbored a passion for racing, making his initial foray into the open-wheel racing scene in the mid-2000s. He competed in the Champ Car Atlantic Series for three years, achieving notable finishes and concluding the 2009 season in ninth place overall.
In 2023, Muniz transitioned into stock car racing, securing a fulltime ride in the ARCA Menards Series. In his rookie season, he impressively clinched fourth place in the championship standings, registering one top-five finish and 11 top-ten finishes in 20 starts, with his standout performance at Michigan resulting in a fifth-place finish.
Notably, the No. 35 car, which Muniz will be driving, was previously part of a joint effort between Gase and Patrick Emerling. Gase himself achieved the car’s best result, finishing ninth at Talladega in the past season.
In a statement released to the press, Muniz expressed gratitude for the continual support from Ford and Ford Performance throughout his NASCAR journey. He also conveyed his excitement about teaming up with Joey Gase Motorsports for his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Daytona. In response, Gase welcomed Muniz to the team, commending his unwavering dedication and focus, and emphasizing Muniz’s prospective contributions to their program throughout the upcoming season.