Frankie Muniz Of ‘Malcolm In The Middle’ Out Front 1st In Racing

KANSAS CITY, Kan. It’s been a long since Frankie Muniz played “Malcolm in the Middle.”

Nowadays, he’s more like “Malcolm in the Front.”

Through the first three races of his first full season, the multitalented actor-turned-race car driver leads the standings in the ARCA Series, one of the lower rungs on the NASCAR feeder system. His ultimate objective is to make it to the Cup Series, but the 37-year-old Muniz has yet to illusions about how difficult that will be.

Especially because he’s still trying to figure out what all the switches in his current car do.

“I’m so focused right now in ARCA on everything I need to learn,” said Muniz, who was ninth fastest in practice Friday at Kansas Speedway, where the series will race Saturday. “This is the fourth of 20 races this season.” I expected to do well; I had no idea I’d be in the points lead at this stage. But I’m focused on carrying on and learning.”

Muniz has always been interested in racing. He watched some growing up in Charlotte and attended the Daytona 500, where he drove the Pace car in 2001, the year Dale Earnhardt died in a last-lap collision. And, back when he starred as the main character on the Fox sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle,” he dabbled in competitive racing.

Muniz competed in 14 Formula BMW USA races in 2006 before moving to the Champ Car Atlantic Series the following year. He raced until 2009 when a mishap left him with injuries that forced him to retire.

He concentrated on acting, even though “Malcolm in the Middle” had already completed its seven-year run on Fox and was quickly becoming a cult classic, and began moonlighting as the drummer in the indie rock band Kingsfoil.

Muniz’s “comeback” began in late 2021 when he raced a late model at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, California. Following an ARCA Series test at Daytona last year, Rette Jones Racing announced in January that Muniz would drive the No. 30 Ford full-time this season.

Muniz competed in 14 Formula BMW USA races in 2006 before moving to the Champ Car Atlantic Series.

“I adore my past.” “I enjoy everything I’ve done,” Muniz remarked, “but I never said I wanted to be an actor.” I wanted to be a garbage man, and acting took over my life. This opportunity in racing was my way of asking, “What do I want to do?” ‘What do I want to achieve in my life?’ And now I’m here. This was my choice. And, for some reason, when I put on my helmet and leave pit land, I feel I’m exactly where I’m intended to be.”

That turns out to be near the front of the group.

While he has yet to win an ARCA Series race, Muniz has been a picture of consistency. He’s the only driver to complete all 316 laps, so he leads 18-year-old Jesse Love in the points race by the smallest of margins.

“It’s a fantastic accomplishment for Frankie to be leading the ARCA Racing Series championship point standings as a Rette Jones Racing driver, but it’s still early in the season,” stated team co-owner Mark Rette. “Frankie, on the other hand, is incredibly focused, and he knows that if he just focuses on his craft behind the wheel, the points will follow.”

One thing Muniz has working for him is Ford’s support. The racing behemoth recently hosted him at its international headquarters for a few events, and his car this weekend is decorated with the “Built Ford Proud” banner.

“That’s an integral part of making those leaps,” Muniz explained, “I’m in with an amazing manufacturer.”

But that will only get Muniz so far. He also recognizes that demonstrating an adequate aptitude to progress through the ranks is critical, and he only has a little time to do so. Muniz is starting in stock car racing at the same age when many drivers are beginning to consider what comes next.

That is additional pressure that many of his classmates do not have.

“There are advantages and disadvantages to being my age,” Muniz explained. “I’ve been through a lot in my life, both good and bad. I’ve done certain things in the past, including racing. I tried hard in races but always felt like I could have pushed harder. Now that I have this opportunity, I have a second shot to do it well.”

SOURCE – (AP)