In an surprising twist that appears ripped straight from the script of a Hollywood underdog story, Frankie Muniz, former star of tv show “Malcolm within the Center,” is now gearing as much as make his mark within the high-octane world of NASCAR racing.
Muniz finds himself on the precipice of a brand new chapter in his profession, transitioning from actor to racing driver with an ambition that is as formidable because the Daytona Worldwide Speedway itself.
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The 38-year-old actor-turned-race automobile driver wandered the Daytona Worldwide Speedway infield Friday with no thought the place to go. He was misplaced.
He requested for assist and was shortly pointed in the appropriate route. However a minute later he knew what had occurred. He had forgotten that it was now Japanese Time, so the Scottsdale, Arizona, resident truly arrived two hours early for the Xfinity Sequence drivers’ assembly.
It was the most recent spherical of confusion for Muniz, who needed to wait till final week to announce his racing plans for 2024. Muniz, who competed within the entry-level ARCA Sequence final yr, will try to make his Xfinity Sequence debut within the No.35 Ford for Joey Gase Racing at Daytona.
Muniz wasn’t positive of his racing plans for 2024
Muniz‘s dedication stays unshaken. With no expertise in making pit stops below the present NASCAR laws, each side of the upcoming race presents a studying alternative for him.
But, his efficiency within the ARCA Sequence, the place he often led the factors standings and earned the respect of his friends, speaks to an underlying expertise and fervour for racing that transcends the preliminary novelty of his profession shift.
Muniz had delayed his announcement for the 2024 season, and went into larger element as to why.
“It was a very attention-grabbing offseason,” Muniz advised The Related Press on Friday.
“Every thing was completed a very long time in the past after which it wasn’t after which it was after which it wasn’t after which one thing else was completed and it wasn’t. All issues out of our management.
“I assumed I used to be going to spend a lot time with my workforce and within the (simulator) and within the store,” he mentioned. “As an alternative, I met my guys immediately; I met a number of them immediately.”
While Muniz has a seat on the grid, he is not but assured to race on Saturday, with qualification required.
Solely 38 of the 44 entrants are given entry into the race, and Muniz can be hoping to keep away from being one of many unlucky six who’re despatched residence.
