Malcolm in the Middle star swaps Hollywood for high-speed thrills of NASCAR
Child actor Frankie Muniz of Malcolm in the Middle fame is set to swap the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for the rough and tumble world of motor racing.
Muniz, who played Malcolm in the hit sitcom show in the early-to-mid-2000s, is set to race in the NASCAR-owned ARCA series this year.
There, he'll race a Ford Mustang at iconic circuits like Daytona and Talladega.
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Muniz has long had an affinity for motor racing.
In 2001, he drove the pace car at the Daytona 500 and met NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt just hours before his untimely death.
Frankie Muniz at the 53rd Emmy Awards Show in 2001. Getty
The household name has also contested several celebrity races and competed in single-seater racing across the United States.
Muniz has made cameo appearances in lower-level NASCAR categories, though this year will be his first full season.
It's a spirited switch for the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated star who said he's keen to prove a point to his family.
"It's with the utmost excitement, optimism and gratitude that I'm joining Rette Jones Racing for the full ARCA Menards Series schedule this year," said Muniz.
"Ever since childhood, it's been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR, and 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.
"I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious how 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."
The 37-year-old's prominence publicly has tapered off since Malcolm in the Middle came to a close in 2006.
The actor has appeared in several movies and television series, making a cameo on Dancing with the Stars as well.
In recent years, Muniz has opened up about his health issues, in particular, aura migraines that left him temporarily unable to see or speak.
Muniz has a son and is married to Paige Price.
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