Every year during the Major League Baseball All Star events, celebrities gather for the annual softball game and over the years there have been a number of celebrity athletic shows on the television.  Now actor Frankie Muniz is looking to be the first celebrity to make a full season run in a stock car; aiming for the championship.

Muniz is not the first celebrity to get behind the wheel of a race car.  Singer Marty Robins was a full time musician and a part time racer.  Known in racing circles for his road course racing, Stanton Barrett did far more than work as a “wheel man” as a Hollywood stuntman.

Muniz has announced that he will be running full time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023 with Rette Jones Racing in the number 30 car.  He will run his first race on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway February 18.  He also has dreams of racing in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Muniz spoke on making a full season run in the series saying, “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.  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.”

Outside of the racing world Frankie Muniz is known for his roles in “Malcolm in the Middle”, “Agent Cody Banks”, and a stint on “Dancing with the Stars” where he was a contestant and  later hosted the junior version of the show.

Former crew chief and co-owner Mark Rette spoke on Muniz and his joining the team saying, “we are very excited to welcome Frankie Muniz to the Rette Jones Racing family for the full 2023 ARCA Menards Series schedule.  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.

He continued, “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.”

Rette Jones Racing partner Terry Jones added, “2023 is set up to be one of the most memorable seasons for Rette Jones Racing since our inception in 2016.  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.”

Global director for Ford Performance Motorsports Mark Rushbrook also spoke on Muniz’ joining the team saying, “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.  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.”

Muniz was “bitten by the racing bug” as a child when he would attend races with his family in North Carolina.  Speaking on his dream Muniz said, “I didn’t really know how to become a race-car driver. It’s like saying you want to be an astronaut or something. To me, it’s like a fantasy job for sure.”

Feature photo credit: Frankiemuniz.jpg