Frankie Muniz races at Kansas Speedway as “Frankie in the Front”.

Frankie Muniz Takes the Lead in NASCAR’s ARCA Menards Series

From “Malcolm in the Middle” to “Frankie in the Front,” former child actor Frankie Muniz is now leading the points race in NASCAR’s ARCA Menards series in his first season. Muniz is hoping to make his first ever trip to NASCAR’s Victory Lane this weekend at Kansas Speedway.

Adored by fans and photographed on the red carpet with Hollywood celebrities, Muniz is best known for his role in the early 2000s FOX show “Malcolm in the Middle.” But now, he’s collaborating with his crew in the garage at Kansas Speedway ahead of Saturday’s Dawn 150.

Learning on the Fly

“I have an insane amount to learn really really quickly. This is my 8th oval race ever, 4th in the ARCA Menards series will be this weekend. Every time I’m in the car it’s a new thing, today I was asking about what certain switches did. I still don’t know what the switches do,” Muniz said.

Despite his lack of experience, Muniz is determined to make it to the highest level and become a Cup driver. At age 37, he’s competing with some drivers half his age.

Basking in the Glory

Now as “Frankie in the Front,” Muniz is letting the moment soak in. “The fact my name, even though we are only three races in, is at the top of that list with 64 other names below me. I definitely screenshotted it and saved it,” Muniz said.

He’s also basking in the glory of being a bit of a celebrity on the racing circuit, this time for his driving skills. “Jeff Gordon came up to me and was like ‘dude points leader.’ I talked to him for a while, that’s pretty cool,” Muniz smiled.

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