Frankie Muniz's 1st race since landing full-time NASCAR ride spoiled by truck's mechanical problems

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Frankie Muniz vanished 33rd connected Saturday successful his first Truck Series title since nan “Malcolm successful nan Middle” prima announced he will go a full-time NASCAR racer adjacent season.

Muniz, who is 38, precocious made nan jump from part-time racer to a afloat slate successful nan No. 33 Ford for Reaume Brothers Racing. He made 2 starts for Reaume Brothers this play successful nan Truck Series.

Muniz has said he is assured his squad could beryllium successful successful this series, but Saturday's title was marred by mechanical issues for his Toyota. He qualified 31st retired of 34 cars.

He competed doubly this play successful NASCAR’s second-tier Xfinity Series, including nan opener astatine Daytona International Speedway, and has besides participated successful nan ARCA Series, 1 of nan little rungs connected nan NASCAR feeder system.

Muniz said Friday that his eventual extremity arsenic a full-time driver is to triumph races.

“I want to beryllium nan best," he said, "but realistically, nan bid is tough. There are a batch of bully drivers and a batch of bully teams, but I deliberation if we could consistently beryllium successful nan apical 20 that would beryllium a immense accomplishment for us.”

The erstwhile character has been a title enthusiast for decades. Muniz drove nan gait car for nan 2001 Daytona 500 — a title successful which seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt was killed connected nan last lap.

Grant Enfinger of CR7 Motorsports won nan title — his 2nd consecutive win.

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AP car racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing