Frankie Muniz: From Child Star to NASCAR Champion

You may remember Frankie Muniz as the beloved star of the hit series Malcolm in the Middle, but he’s been on a thrilling ride far beyond the small screen. Taking an unexpected detour from Hollywood, Muniz has pursued a passion that leaves many fans in awe — racing.

At the pinnacle of his acting career, with Malcolm in the Middle garnering nine Emmy Awards and even a Grammy, the then-young star decided to shift gears. He signed with BMW, stepping away from the Hollywood limelight to embrace the fast-paced world of professional racing.

In a candid moment during a 2021 episode of “Steve-O’s Wild Ride! Podcast,” Muniz expressed his determination: “I said to my agents and manager, ‘Look, this is what I want to do. I’m not trying to just do it as a hobby; I want to be the best I can be.'” Racing quickly transformed from a mere interest into a significant part of Muniz’s life, a thrilling adventure that has spanned over two decades.

Now, at 39, Muniz is set to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 33 Ford F-150 for Reaume Brothers Racing. The excitement builds as he prepares to hit the track on June 20, during the 2025 MillerTech Battery 200 at the iconic Pocono Raceway.

Reflecting on his unique journey, Muniz stated, “My path is not the usual route people take to become a professional race car driver, but I took advantage of it. Now, here I am, 21 years later, still trying, still racing.” His commitment to racing is commendable, but Muniz has shown that it’s possible to juggle both racing and acting.

<pIn a surprising twist, the racer has confirmed that he will also be featured in an upcoming Malcolm in the Middle series set to drop on Disney+. This exciting news has fans buzzing as Muniz manages to film the four-episode series while keeping up with his racing commitments.

“We were filming Sundays through Thursdays in Vancouver, and then raced Fridays,” Muniz shared, describing his jam-packed schedule. “It was nuts. It was all kind of during the bad luck streak I was having in the race car, but the filming was awesome.” The blend of his racing life and return to television promises to bring a thrilling narrative that captivates both fans of the show and racing enthusiasts.