Muniz to Make Mustang Challenge Debut at COTA

Ford Performance NASCAR Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series driver Frankie Muniz will join the Mustang Challenge field for its fourth event at Circuit of The Americas this weekend.

Ford Performance’s global racing program allows top drivers opportunities to race various Mustang models across elite competitions.

In 2024, fans have seen drivers like Australian Supercars veteran Cam Waters and IMSA standout Joey Hand compete in single-event NASCAR Cup Series races.

Now, NASCAR up-and-comer Muniz will pilot the Mustang Dark Horse R in Mustang Challenge during the FIA World Endurance Championship Lone Star Le Mans weekend.

“I was a part of the Mustang Dark Horse R launch, and ever since, all I’ve wanted to do is race in the Mustang Challenge,” said Muniz. “To have a full field in its first races this year, you know it’s going to be so fun and competitive.

“I was thrilled when the opportunity came to drive the Dark Horse R at COTA. This is one of the few road courses where I’ve yet to compete, so I’m excited to experience a new course and series with the Dark Horse R.”

Muniz made his NASCAR racing debut with Ford in February 2023, reigniting his passion for motorsports at Daytona International Speedway.

Since then, his unrelenting pursuit and ready racecraft have helped promote him through the ranks – from the ARCA Menards Series to sharing a seat in the Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series this season.

While Muniz has transitioned into the world of NASCAR, his foray into racing was in the open-wheeled racing arena. Notably, he participated in the ChampCar Atlantic Championship from 2007-09.

“As a driver, you just want to get the most experience you can, in anything you can, and Ford Performance has afforded me that opportunity,” he said.

“I’ve been on this NASCAR journey, but this is another incredible opportunity to race in a major series. I can see doing more races like these in the future.”

Muniz will drive the No. 3 Mustang Dark Horse R for Spark Performance, as one of 13 cars entered in the Dark Horse class that’s currently led by Tyler Maxson of Robert Noaker Racing.

Fourteen entries, meanwhile, are set to do battle in Dark Horse Legends, a category reserved for drivers 45 years or older. Zachry Lee sits atop the points standings with only four races left.

Mustang Challenge will be live-streamed on the Official Ford Performance YouTube channel, where Muniz will join John Hindhaugh in the broadcast booth as a commentator for Sunday’s race.

The races, set for Saturday at 4:40 p.m. CDT and Sunday at 8:40 a.m. CDT, will also air live on Peacock and IMSA.tv.