‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Star Frankie Muniz Gears Up For NASCAR-Owned Series

"Malcolm in the Middle" star Frankie Muniz is gearing up for life as a professional stock car racer.

In a Wednesday Instagram post, Muniz announced to his followers that he’s all set to drive Rette Jones Racing’s No. 30 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR-owned ARCA Menards Series. Having acted in racing-oriented films in the past, Muniz is thrilled to be pursuing this passion he’s long enjoyed.

“Finally making my dream a reality, this one is for my son and showing him that you can always chase your dreams,” penned Muniz.

Muniz has been close to NASCAR before, though that is a memory he might rather forget.

During the 2001 Cup Series, the former child star drove the pace car at the Daytona 500, the race where Dale Earnhardt tragically lost his life in a crash on the final lap. In a Barstool Sports podcast last year, Muniz said that when he met Earnhardt, the legendary driver told him "Malcolm in the Middle" helped him and his daughter become “so much closer.”

RELATED: NASCAR’s Kyle Larson And Wife Katelyn Welcome New Baby Boy To The Family

″[He said] I love your show. I’m a huge fan.′ I’m like, ‘Dale Earnhardt,’ He signed my jacket, and he got in his car,’” revealed Muniz. “So other than his crew chief, essentially I was the last person to talk to him.”

This won’t be the first time Muniz has participated in competitive racing. In 2006, he stepped away from his acting career so he could pursue racing in several event and series, including 14 races in the Formula BMW USA Championship and the 2004 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race where he finished in seventh place. The following year, the burgeoning driver joined the more competitive Champ Car Atlantic Series. He competed the entire 12-race season, logging 351 laps with a season-best finish of ninth place. After winning the 2008 Jovy Marcelo Award for sportsmanship, Muniz joined Team Stargate Worlds the following year, finishing in the top 10 during each race he entered.

Continuing to pursue a career in competitive racing, Muniz finally made the official leap into stock car racing on Oct. 23, 2021 when he competed in the SRL Pro Late Model series, driving for High Point Racing. From there, Muniz next drove the No. 1 Ford in the ARCA Menards Series test at Daytona International Speedway in January 2022.

In his statement about driving for Rette Jones Racing, Muniz explained why he joined the group.

“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,” Muniz noted of this year’s ARCA Menards Series.

“I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious 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.”

Can't get enough NASCAR action? Catch up on “Race For The Championship,” on Peacock.