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Frankie Muniz has yet to announce his 2024 plans, but there is a very prominent ride in the Truck Series that Muniz could be at least a candidate for. Would it make sense for Muniz to head to Front Row Motorsports in the Truck Series?
Frankie Muniz has been solid in his first professional racing season in the ARCA Menards Series. He is fourth in the points standings with nine top-10s and one top-5. However, it is no secret that he wants to work his way up in 2024.
The where has been a question, however, and Muniz has remained quiet on his future plans in recent weeks. However, the Ford prospect has a case to make when it comes to getting the Front Row Motorsports Truck Series ride in 2024.
First off, he has received some support from Ford as the season has gone on, so Ford sees value in him. On top of that, Ford is quite thin when it comes to its’ prospect pool. There isn’t a good reason for any of their current Truck Series drivers to make the switch from ThorSport to Front Row unless Hailie Deegan needs another change of scenery.
He has done a solid job in ARCA given the apparent lack of parity in the series at the moment. He has struggled some in recent races, but, that does not discredit the highs he has had. It makes you wonder what he could do if he gets into some better equipment.
For Muniz, if he wants the chance to move up with a team that can win races and Championships, this is the team to do it with. It is the best race team he could possibly sign with, and, he does have a major case given the current thin Ford prospect pool.
Front Row Motorsports is in an interesting spot as a race team. They have, at least for now, committed to Michael McDowell and Todd Gilliland for their Cup Series team. McDowell seems he will be with the team for years to come while Gilliland seems he will get at least one more year with the team.
Muniz could be an intriguing prospect given the current thinness of Ford’s prospect pool as previously mentioned. Unless FRM poaches someone from ThorSport, there is no one under the Ford umbrella who has a case to enter into the series with the team aside from Muniz.
However, there are a few things about Muniz that could give FRM some pause. First off is his age. Muniz will be 38 years old when next season begins, and, does Ford want to give a prominent ride to someone of his age? This is especially true considering this is a team that Ford has and will likely use FRM to develop younger prospects.
Another thing is the issue of sponsorship. Muniz has had to rely on Ford Performance and his car owner Mark Rette to sponsor the car as the season has gone on. Muniz had sponsorship from companies like Hair Club and ReSkills, but, they have not been on the car in recent weeks. If sponsorship is that fickle at the ARCA level, how much worse will it get when Muniz needs more money to compete at the top of the Craftsman Truck Series?
Therefore, Muniz may not be the best solution for FRM going forward, but, there is an argument for him to get that seat. Then again, having someone like Muniz driving in the Truck Series could bring some new eyeballs to the team, and that could attract some sponsors in itself.
Muniz is an exciting prospect who has the desire to move his way up. Is the best move Front Row Motorsports?
