Frankie Muniz will compete full-time in NASCAR's ARCA Series

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Frankie Muniz goes from "Malcolm in the Middle" to the middle of a racing pack...revealing on Wednesday that he's set to drive full-time in the NASCAR-owned ARCA Series this season!!!

The actor-turned-racer will be behind the wheel of Rette Jones Racing's #30 Ford Mustang... starting next month, when the series hits Daytona International Speedway.

Muniz said this week that he's eager for a career change, revealing that it's one of his lifelong goals to eventually trade paint on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit.

"I'm looking forward to not only demonstrating my abilities on the track and how serious I am about progressing in my racing career," the 37-year-old said of the move to ARCA, "but also to show my son and family what it's like to chase your dreams and reinvent yourself."

Muniz has been a lifelong fan of pro driving...and has even posted photos and videos of himself behind the wheel a number of times over the past few years.

Mark Rushbrook, head of Ford Performance Motorsports, called Muniz a "talented and enthusiastic racer"... while Rette Jones Racing co-owner Terry Jones said he was delighted to see Agent Cody Banks order one of his races this year.