Actor-turned-NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz found himself in a harrowing situation during Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series Championship at the Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, as he was involved in a significant crash that drew concern from fans and fellow racers alike.
In a video shared on social media by reporter Noah Lewis, the 38-year-old former child star was seen limping and visibly shaken as he made his way into an ambulance following what Lewis described as a “hard hit.” Despite the severity of the crash, Muniz reassured everyone afterward that he was okay, explaining to reporters exactly how the incident unfolded.
“There was nowhere for me to go. I got hit from behind,” Muniz stated, detailing the chaotic sequence of events. “I got hit from behind into the 42, and the 18 was right there stopped. I went right into him.” Muniz described the collision as “unfortunate” but expressed gratitude that he escaped without any serious injuries.
Reflecting on the race as a whole, Muniz highlighted the positives he took from the experience, emphasizing the lessons learned and his team’s unwavering support. “I felt like I got a good opportunity to run with some guys, I made some passes,” Muniz noted. “I lost a few spots on restarts, but then went back out and passed them again. It was good for me to figure out how to get by people. You know, I haven’t really gotten to do that much this year, so that was really positive.”
Muniz, who became a household name starring in the family sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” from 2000 to 2006, has embraced his second career as a professional race car driver with passion and enthusiasm. He confirmed his commitment to NASCAR, vowing to be back on the racetrack in 2025. “We’re going to be better next year,” he said optimistically. “I’ve got the whole off-season to prepare, and we’re going to go get it.”
The path that led Muniz to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has been an intriguing one. Earlier this year, he made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, which was an important milestone in his racing career. In October, Muniz announced that he would be joining Reaume Brothers Racing in a full-time role to drive the No. 33 F-150 in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The season will kick off in February at Florida’s iconic Daytona International Speedway, where Muniz will aim to make his mark.
Muniz officially began his full-time NASCAR journey in January 2023 with Rette Jones Racing in the ARCA Menards Series, the fourth-tier NASCAR division. At the time, he spoke of fulfilling a lifelong dream. “Ever since childhood, it’s been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR,” Muniz said in a statement.
“It was important for me to partner with a team that aligned with my long-term objectives and vision while providing every opportunity imaginable to grow mentally and physically as a full-time race car driver.”
He also spoke about the deeper motivation behind his decision, which goes beyond the thrill of racing. “I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and showing just how serious I am about progressing in my racing career, but also showing my son and family what it means to chase your dreams and reinvent yourself,” Muniz added.
Muniz has emphasized that transitioning from acting to racing wasn’t a difficult decision for him, as racing has always been his true passion. “This is something I have been working for literally 20 years,” Muniz said in an October interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade. “If I’m going to race full time against drivers who live and breathe this sport, I’ve got to dedicate myself in the same way that they are. I can’t be part-time.”
He continued, “You can’t just act on the side and do this. If you want to be really, really good at anything, you’ve got to dedicate yourself to it, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Muniz’s love for racing started years ago, with his first taste of competition coming in 2005 when he won the 29th annual Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race.
In 2006, he decided to take a hiatus from acting to fully immerse himself in the world of motorsports, competing in the Formula BMW USA Championship. He later participated in the ChampCar Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009, proving himself against more experienced drivers.
Unfortunately, Muniz’s driving career was temporarily halted in 2009 when he sustained an injury that required multiple surgeries.
However, his passion for the sport never waned, and after years away from professional racing, he found his way back to the track with a renewed determination to fulfill his dream of becoming a NASCAR driver.
As Muniz prepares for next year, his story continues to inspire—showing that it’s never too late to pursue your passions, reinvent yourself, and achieve new dreams.
