Actor Frankie Muniz has made a notable impression in the world of NASCAR, finishing in the top 10 during his fifth race in the NASCAR truck series at the Daytona International Speedway. The event took place on Friday, serving as a precursor to the prestigious Daytona 500 scheduled for Sunday. At 39 years old, Muniz, who gained fame for his role in the FOX sitcom "Malcolm in the Middle" from 2000 to 2006, initially crossed the finish line in 11th place. However, he moved up to 10th after Parker Kligerman was disqualified for failing to meet post-race height requirements for his truck.
After the race, Muniz expressed his excitement, stating, “I couldn’t ask for anything better. I think this truck was so fast.” He acknowledged the importance of proving himself in the competitive racing environment, saying, “Last year, I didn’t have the opportunity to do that. This is great. This is a step. Hopefully, I earn respect.” Muniz emphasized his desire to gain the respect of his fellow drivers, noting that he is still working to demonstrate his capabilities on the track.
The actor is balancing his racing commitments with a reunion series for "Malcolm in the Middle," which is currently in development. To accommodate his racing schedule, producers have allowed him to film from Sunday through Wednesday, enabling him to compete from Thursday to Saturday. Muniz has a busy season ahead, with 25 more races lined up through November.
The Daytona 500 event also featured former President Donald Trump, who made headlines by taking a lap around the track in his armored vehicle, known as "The Beast." The crowd reacted enthusiastically as Trump participated in the festivities, which included interactions with NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Greg Biffle.
As Muniz continues to pursue his racing ambitions, his recent performance at Daytona marks a significant milestone in his transition from television star to competitive driver, showcasing his determination to carve out a place for himself in the NASCAR community.