Frankie Muniz finishes 11th in ARCA debut at Daytona International Speedway

Frankie Muniz has a brand new career – race automotive driver. 

The well-known actor competed Saturday within the first ARCA Menards race of the season — the Daytona 200 – ending in eleventh place Saturday afternoon in his first time racing in an ARCA inventory automotive. 

Greg Van Alst received the race, with Connor Mosack and Sean Corr coming in 2nd and third, respectively. 

“There was no means I used to be going to carry it residence with out the steering wheel or the trophy and that was it,” Van Alst stated after the win. “That is for all of the quick observe racers on the market that don’t suppose you will get to this stage.”

FRANKIE MUNIZ REVVED UP TO SHOWCASE RACING ABILITIES IN ARCA DEBUT: ‘I HOPE TO SURPRISE PEOPLE’

“I labored my a– off to get right here, and we did it,” added. “Yeah!”

Within the 80-lap race, the 37-year-old Muniz held his personal, cracking the highest 5 in the course of the race. 

“Holy moly!!! That was probably the most insane factor I’ve ever accomplished,” Muniz posted to Twitter after the race. “Bought up into the highest 3 earlier than getting turned and inflicting injury. Went to the again and went from twenty fourth to eleventh within the ultimate 2 laps. I am so grateful to my group and [Hair Club] and sponsors for making my dream a actuality!”

Muniz joined Rette Jones Racing in January and drove the No. 30 Ford Mustang. 

Frankie Muniz, driver of the #30 Hair Membership Ford, walks the grid previous to the ARCA Menards Sequence BRANDT 200 Supporting Florida FFA at Daytona Worldwide Speedway on February 18, 2023 in Daytona Seashore, Florida.  (James Gilbert/Getty Photos)

“I thought of this second, like how I’d really feel, lots. The truth that I’m truly right here — I’m in Daytona — I don’t know. It’s nearly exhausting to imagine nonetheless,” Muniz informed Fox Information Digital in a current interview. “Till I’m on the racetrack and climbing into the automotive, I really feel prefer it’s nonetheless like a dream of mine. After which it clearly turns into actuality once I get to do it.”

Muniz informed Fox Information Digital earlier than the race that whereas he was enthusiastic about Saturday, he understands he has a protracted season forward of him. 

“I’m very assured, and I hope to shock individuals,” Muniz stated. “However I additionally must show it to myself as a result of even within the prep and testing, no matter you’re doing to organize, nothing issues till (apply), qualifying or the race. It’s a protracted season, and I attempt to remind myself (of) that.”

Frankie Muniz, driver of the #30 Hair Membership Ford, waits on the grid previous to the ARCA Menards Sequence BRANDT 200 Supporting Florida FFA at Daytona Worldwide Speedway on February 18, 2023 in Daytona Seashore, Florida.  (James Gilbert/Getty Photos)

“If Daytona doesn’t go like I hope it goes … as a result of lots of people get knocked out of the race it’s utterly out of their management,” he continued. “You get caught up in a wreck, you’re watching. It sucks. And now, I’m hoping that’s not the case, however it is likely to be. But it surely’s a protracted season, and we received to stay with our program.”

Muniz introduced a full-time ARCA Menards Sequence schedule in January.