Frankie Muniz, a popular actor best known for his role in “Malcolm in the Middle”, will compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series this season, driving the No. 30 Ford Mustang for Rette Jones Racing.
The 37-year-old will make his ARCA Menards Series debut in the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, where he will begin his championship hunt with Rette Jones Racing.
“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, who was originally scheduled to make his ARCA debut in the ARCA West season-finale at Phoenix Raceway in November, has been locked in discussions for numerous months, according to a team release, before electing to sign with Terry Jones and Mark Rette.
“We are very excited to welcome Frankie Muniz to the Rette Jones Racing family for the full 2023 ARCA Menards Series schedule,” offered Rette. “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.”
For the 2023 ARCA Menards Series campaign, Rette Jones Racing will continue its long-standing relationship with Ford Performance but will upgrade the team’s fleet of cars to include the Mustang, starting at Daytona.
“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,” commented Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “He is dedicated to continuing 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 replaces Amber Balcean in the No. 30 Ford for the 2023 ARCA Menards Series season, who brought the organization home seventh-place in points, with six top-10 results and a best finish of seventh at Charlotte.
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