'I wanted this my entire life': Malcolm in the Middle's Frankie Muniz Shifts to NASCAR

Fans of "Malcolm in the Middle" might soon see their beloved Frankie Muniz in a different setting – at the helm of a race car in the ARCA Menards Series. Muniz, now 37, is shifting gears from his successful acting career, to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time race car driver.

From Screen to Speedway

Known for his memorable roles in "Malcolm in the Middle" and "Agent Cody Banks", Muniz's recent announcement to kickstart his career in stock-car racing has fans and critics alike at the edge of their seats. "I wanted this my entire life," Muniz said, during a test session at Daytona International Speedway.

"I'm Here to Take it Seriously"

Muniz’s passion for racing isn't a recent development. As far back as 2004, Muniz was contemplating a professional driving career, after participating in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California. His last full-time season was in 2009, a year that witnessed him breaking his back and an ankle in a crash. But his racing spirit didn't dwindle; instead, he continued to race sporadically while taking a detour into music and starting a family.

This decision to return to the racetrack isn't a publicity stunt, insists Muniz. "I want people to look at me and see me on track and go, 'Wow, he belongs,' and I’m ready to prove to everyone that I do."

A Nod to Nostalgia

As he prepares for his first of 20 scheduled races in 2023, Muniz carries a bit of nostalgia in his vehicle - the chassis he's set to drive was once driven by Sterling Marlin during the 2001 Daytona 500, the race that ended with the tragic death of seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt. Muniz fondly remembers how Earnhardt had signed his jacket and praised "Malcolm in the Middle", stating, "Your show has brought me and my daughter so much closer together. I love your show.”

Ever the entertainer, Muniz predicts and embraces inevitable jokes from his racing counterparts, hinting he might even capitalize on the "Malcolm in the Middle" humor with merchandise for fans.

In this fascinating chapter of his life, Frankie Muniz is poised to leave tire marks not only on the speedway but also on the hearts of his fans as he steps into the racing world.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)