Frankie Muniz, a global television and film star, will compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, piloting an entry for Joey Gase Motorsports, the driver announced via his website on Friday.
The 38-year-old driver will pilot the No. 35 Ford Performance Ford Mustang in the United Rentals 300, fielded by Joey Gase Motorsports — half of the now-defunct Emerling-Gase Motorsports, which fielded the No. 35 and No. 53 in the Xfinity Series last season.
“I am very fortunate to have the unwavering support of Ford and Ford Performance through my NASCAR journey, and I am very humbled yet excited to be teamed up with Joey Gase Motorsports to attempt my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut next weekend at Daytona International Speedway,” offered Muniz.
Throughout the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign, Muniz is expected to run a partial schedule for the organization, owned by long-time NASCAR competitor Joey Gase, who will drive the team’s No. 53 Chevrolet Camaro in the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway.
“Joey Gase Motorsports is proud to welcome Frankie to the team,” said team owner, Joey Gase. “Undoubtedly, he brings a lot of attention to our team and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but throughout the last couple of weeks, I’ve never seen a driver more determined or focused than Frankie. He will be an asset to our program this season, and I look forward to joining him as a teammate in our No. 53 National Crime Prevention Council car at Daytona.”
Muniz finished fourth place in ARCA Menards Series point standings for Rette Jones Racing last season, on the strength of one top-five and 11 top-10 results, including a career-best fifth-place finish at Michigan International Speedway. The 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign will mark Muniz’s second season competing in stock cars.
“I know that moving up to Xfinity is a big leap for me, given my limited experience in stock cars,” offered Muniz. “I understand the challenges ahead and know it will not always be easy. I want to thank Wayne Auton and Brett Bodine at NASCAR for believing in me and allowing me to compete in the Xfinity Series this season. I know that I have an enormous amount to learn, but you won’t find someone more dedicated than I am when it comes to chasing a dream.”
The complete NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule for Frankie Muniz with Joey Gase Motorsports will be announced at a later date.