Unreal Fact From Actor Frankie Muniz’s Tragic NASCAR Appearance Shocks Fans 22 Years Later

It has been 22 years since the fateful Daytona 500 race in 2001. It was the day NASCAR lost one of the greatest of its drivers, Dale Earnhardt Sr. For the people attending, it was unbelievable to witness the horror. Meanwhile, not everything was so dark and gloomy when the day started. It was, in fact, a great day for a particular young actor, who probably got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

That young kid was none other than, Frankie Muniz, who had the opportunity to sit in a pace car ahead of the event. Decades later, in this mix of excitement and tragedy, it seems as if life has come full circle for the Agent Cody Banks actor. It was recently announced that Muniz would drive in the 2023 season opener at Daytona 500.

A NASCAR journalist shared the clip on Twitter, captioning, “In this clip from the 2001 Daytona 500, Frankie Muniz is in the pace car while the car seen behind him is Sterling Marlin’s #40 22 years later, Marlin’s chassis from that race is still racing in ARCA with Rette-Jones, and is likely the car Muniz himself will race at Daytona.“

Read More: $40 Million Worth Hollywood Star Frankie Muniz Shares Cryptic Tweet Around NASCAR Entry, Months After Teasing Astonishing Project

Nascarman’s tweet was preceded by another from a reputed journalist, Jordan Bianchi. He tweeted that Frankie Muniz would be driving “full-time in the ARCA Series in 2023 for Rette Jones Racing.” Moreover, he would also be given the opportunity to drive the iconic No. 30 Ford. That too during the Daytona 500 season opener on the 18th of February.

NASCAR community surprised to hear Frankie Muniz’s news

The community was surprised to hear the news of his Daytona 500 races. However, there had been hints of Muniz getting on to full-time racing soon. The surprising part was his earlier appearance back in the 2001 Daytona 500 and the fact that he would be driving the same car as seen behind him in the old video. The car was Sterling Marlin’s number 40 Ford. However, the car’s number has been changed to #30.

Fans and fellow drivers left messages suggesting that they were excited to see what he does at Daytona.

WATCH THIS STORY: Perennial Fan-Favorites Dale Earnhardt Jr and Chase Elliott Have This NASCAR Legend to Thank for Their Superstardom

It is extremely rare for an active Hollywood celebrity to take up racing as a career. But for Muniz, debuting at the Daytona 500 would be a dream come true. Surely none of us can wait to see how he performs at that special event.