Frankie Muniz Returns to Daytona_ Frankie Muniz found himself in a familiar scenario: running late. The 38-year-old actor-turned-race-car-driver was navigating the labyrinthine Daytona International Speedway infield on Friday, feeling like a character from his hit sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” lost in the middle of nowhere.
Despite asking for directions and getting pointed in the right path, Muniz soon realized his mistake. Accustomed to his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, he had overlooked the time difference and arrived at the Xfinity Series drivers’ meeting two hours earlier than necessary.
This incident was just the latest in a string of confusions for Muniz, who recently confirmed his racing plans for 2024. Muniz, a contender in the ARCA Series last year, is set to make his Xfinity Series debut driving the No. 35 Ford for Joey Gase Racing at Daytona.
Reflecting on the tumultuous offseason, Muniz told The Associated Press, “It was a really interesting offseason. Everything was done a long time ago and then it wasn’t and then it was and then it wasn’t and then something else was done and it wasn’t. All things out of our control.”
Despite the delays, Muniz clarified that the setbacks were not due to issues with Ford or funding. He attributed the delays to the complexities of orchestrating various elements to align perfectly.
“I thought I was going to spend so much time with my team and in the (simulator) and in the shop,” Muniz lamented. “Instead, I met my guys today; I met a lot of them today.”
Now facing the challenge of qualifying for Saturday’s race, Muniz acknowledges the steep competition with only a limited number of slots available. His primary objective is simply to secure a spot on the starting grid, recognizing that it marks just the beginning of his learning curve as he advances in his racing career.
Despite his competitive nature, Muniz recognizes the importance of learning and growing. Last year, he navigated numerous obstacles in the ARCA Series, demonstrating resilience and earning respect from fellow competitors.
Reflecting on his journey, Muniz likened the transition to a new school, where acceptance and adjustment take time. However, if there’s one familiar face he might encounter in the garage, it’s NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon, with whom he shared a stage in 1998.
Read for more: NASCAR Fourth Manufacturer Revealed: Honda Talks Heat Up?
Recalling his acting days, Muniz fondly remembers his role in “Malcolm in the Middle” and the movie “Agent Cody Banks.” Embracing both his Hollywood roots and his racing aspirations, Muniz hopes to make a lasting impression on the track, proving his mettle in the competitive Xfinity Series.
” I’m excited to prove to people that I can race in this series,” Muniz declared. “I know it is not going to be easy. ARCA is a great series. There’s some really good cars, some really good competition. This is a whole different level.”
Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ”) Frankie Muniz Returns to Daytona
Q: What place did Frankie Muniz finish at Daytona?
Ans: Frankie Muniz, known for his role in “Malcolm in the Middle,” will make his Xfinity Series debut after finishing 11th in the Daytona ARCA race last February.
Q: Does Frankie Muniz do NASCAR?
Ans: Muniz gained valuable experience last year, leading the ARCA Series standings and finishing fourth despite mechanical issues. He earned respect from peers, becoming a familiar face in NASCAR garages, where teams offered advice and assistance willingly.
