Malcolm in the Middle actor is now a professional race driver and is set to compete in NASCAR-owned event

It’s a face you may remember from the Malcolm in the Middle glory days.

But now Frankie Muniz is getting set to swap his acting chops and get into the gritty world of motor racing.

The now 37-year-old shot to fame for his role as a child actor in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.

However, he has long had a love for motor racing.

Back in 2001, he drove the pace car at Daytona 500 and met NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt just prior to his unfortunate death.

That passion never faded and has even turned into somewhat of a career in the sport.

Muniz will race a Ford Mustang on legendary tracks such as Daytona and Talladega.

He’s competed in several celebrity races before and has also made appearances in lower-level NASCAR races.

However, this will be his first full season as a racer.

He took to social media, stating that part of his desire to race was to prove to his family that people can chase their dreams and reinvent themselves.

He said: “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.

"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 actor has appeared here and there on television since the Malcolm in the Middle days, however, has been less prominent on the scene.

Since then he married Paige Price in 2020 and had a son in March 2021.