BROOKLYN, MI – When Morgen Baird was a kid, he watched Frankie Muniz on the Disney Channel and on “Malcolm in the Middle.”
Now, Muniz is Baird’s NASCAR teammate.
Baird is a 32-year-old grassroots racer who grew up in Grass Lake and now lives in Jackson – just minutes from Michigan International Speedway.
He only races a few times per year, due to funding. He has a day job as a senior recruiter for WorkGenius, hiring engineers and IT tech workers.
“I haven’t given up on this stupid dream yet,” Baird said.
Baird will race the No. 2 Alro Steel Ford F-150 in Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series race at MIS. Muniz, who drives for the same team, Reaume Brothers Racing, will race the No. 33 truck.

Baird made his first career Truck Series start at Kansas Speedway in May. He finished 25th, while his teammate Muniz went out of the race early and finished 28th.
“(Muniz) was pretty cool, I got to hang out with him quite a bit out at Kansas,” Baird said. “He’s really chill. I didn’t look at him any different – he’s out there to race and I’m out there to race.”
Baird isn’t the only one working two jobs. Muniz was busy early this season filming the “Malcolm in the Middle” reboot.
Muniz is racing full time in the Truck Series this season. His best finish so far was 10th at Daytona International Speedway.
Saturday’s Truck Series race starts at noon and will be televised on Fox.
FROM 2024: Frankie Muniz plagued by early engine issue in Friday Michigan NASCAR race
Racing for redemption
Baird returns to MIS after an “excruciating” trip to the track in 2024.
Excitement was high, as Baird was preparing to make his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series start. He was supposed to make his debut in the spring, but Baird darted home instead to catch the birth of his first child, Brody.
So his scheduled debut would come at MIS instead.
But with friends and family watching, Baird failed to qualify for the race. He was 0.1 seconds shy.
He had to watch the race from the grandstands instead of the cockpit.
“It’s definitely a hard pill to swallow,” Baird said in 2024.

His new fatherhood offered some perspective, though.
“When I woke up (the next day, Brody) was right next to me and smiling,” Baird said. “It makes you forget. It makes you understand what the more important things are, outside of chasing your dreams.”
MORE: A Michigan racer was ready for his big break in NASCAR. A call made him turn around.
But Baird isn’t giving up on his dreams. The 14-month-old Brody will be in attendance this weekend for his dad’s redemption tour.
“I’m really looking forward to having my son Brody there, my family and everyone that supports me,” Baird said.
Brody’s still working on “mom” and “dad,” so he hasn’t yet learned the word “race car,” Baird said. But it won’t be long.
The racer is looking forward to the family photo this weekend with his young son. He’s hoping to make similar memories with him “for many years to come.”
Baird will also race in Friday’s ARCA Series race, driving the No. 11 Founders Brewing Ford. The MI P1LSNER beer logo is featured on the hood. That race is at 5 p.m. Friday and televised on FS2.
He’s proud to represent two Michigan companies – Founders and Alro Steel – on his race vehicles this weekend, among other sponsors.
Baird knows his vehicles aren’t the caliber of the top racers, for both Friday and Saturday. He’s hoping to bring the vehicles home clean, finish on the lead lap and gain some experience.
Baird has 13 career ARCA Series races, with a best finish of sixth at MIS in 2023.
“It’s difficult when you get only a couple opportunities (each year), Baird said. “We’re just going to give ‘er hell.”
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