Actor-turned-racer Frankie Muniz has made a big leap this season by announcing his plans to compete in the Xfinity Series with the No. 35 Joey Gase Motorsports Ford Mustang and will attempt to qualify for the Daytona race. The 38-year-old actor, who will be backed by Ford Performance as his primary sponsor this season, is in unfamiliar territory, and racing in NASCAR’s second division can be intimidating. Despite the resolve and drive on the actor’s part, he will need backing and guidance. And this is where Ford can play a vital role.

But why them? Well, considering how they have propelled Haile Deegan’s rise into the Xfinity Series, they have all the right credentials and resources to do the same with Muniz. While the driver has a good opportunity on his hands to make his mark for the season, will he be able to?

Frankie Muniz could go the Hailee Deegan route

Aspiring race car drivers need more than just talent and determination to make it into the big leagues. Luckily for Muniz, he has found that extra help in Ford, who will now oversee his big switch into the Xfinity Series. Time is not Muniz’s ally at the moment, and for him to enjoy his adventure racing amongst the top dogs, he will need the right council and direction.

Muniz’s rise to the scene can be compared to that of Deegan. A switch from TRD to Ford Performance in the 2020 ARCA season paid off big time for her. Piloting the No. 4 Ford for Tricon Garage in 2020, she managed a P3 finish in the championship points tally. And since then, she’s never looked back. Three full seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series were a challenge for her, but thanks to Ford, it all came together.

This was followed by the next big leap when she was announced as AM Racing’s full-time driver for the 2024 Xfinity Series season. And guess what, Ford once again has her back and continues its support towards the driver. While Muniz does not have the luxury of time but given that he has been handed a big opportunity, he could deliver the goods.

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Just like Deegan proved her mettle during the 2022 Xfinity debut in Vegas with a P13 finish, Muniz has got a big opportunity to make his mark at his debut Daytona Race. Moreover, his ties with Ford run deeper than just being an on-track sponsor and moving forward he is banking on their continued support for 2024 season.

Muniz couldn’t thank Ford enough for their support throughout his journey

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Hard work and relentless pursuit of your dreams can take you places. And for Frankie Muniz, it is a NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at the Daytona International Speedway. Making his stock car racing debut in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, the 38-year-old actor is now joining the big boy league. Announcing his next big leap in his racing career, Muniz also gave a huge shout-out to his sponsor and partner, Ford.

Announcing his Xfinity debut via Instagram video, Muniz said, “I’m excited to announce that I will be attempting to make my NASCAR Xfintiy Series debut next weekend at Daytona International Speedway. In Joey Gase Motorsports No. 35 Ford Performance, Ford Mustang. I can also announce that I’m doing a part-time schedule in the Xfinity Series as well as many other racing series throughout the year. Can’t thank Ford and Ford Performance enough for their unwavering support of this journey. I’m so excited to get to Daytona, see you there. Root on the #35.”

It’s too early to predict Muniz’s performance or results throughout the season. However, his showing in the qualifying rounds and a potential feature in the Feb 17 race could set the tone for the rest of the season.

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