"Went in completely blind" - Hollywood actor turned NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz recalls his racing journey

Frankie Muniz recently sat down for an interview to discuss his journey from the Hollywood stage to NASCAR racing. The 38-year-old said he ventured into racing not knowing what to expect.

In an interview conducted by racing insider Carla Metts Gebhart, Muniz noted his racing career started back in 2004. After winning the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race in 2005, that's when the former star of Malcolm in the Middle had the itch to get into racing.

"That's where I really caught the bug," Muniz said. "Got hurt in 2009. Broke my back, pins in my hand, the whole nine. Took a long time to heal, so I took a very long break."

Muniz went on to say he didn't race much after the significant injuries until last year, when he decided it was now or never to pursue his dream of NASCAR racing. It was then that Muniz joined the ARCA Menards Series for the 2023 season.

"I decided, you know what? I'm not getting any younger, I feel like I have a lot of unfinished business in the racing world. If I'm going to do it, I need to do it now, but I want to go NASCAR racing. I signed up for ARCA and really went in completely blind to what the experience would be like, but we had a good amount of success and I loved every minute of it."

Muniz raced the entire 20-race ARCA schedule in 2023, registering one top-five, 11 top-tens, and finished fourth in the final points standings. He's made part-time starts across the Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and the ARCA Menards Series in 2024.

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Frankie Muniz announced he will compete full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025

Frankie Muniz announced on a recent broadcast of Fox and Friends that he will be competing full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. He'll pilot the #33 Reaume Brothers Racing Ford.

Muniz went on to say that competing in NASCAR is something he's always desired and he's excited to get going in the Truck Series next year. He added (via Yahoo Entertainment):

“It’s a dream come true. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. I’m thrilled. I can’t wait.”

Muniz felt they ran well in the ARCA Series last year but the Truck Series is an entirely different experience. However, the former actor said he's giving everything he can to the sport he loves.

“We had a lot of success last year," Muniz said. "Making the leap up to the Truck Series is a whole other level. 36 trucks start the race, and all 36 drivers are really, really good. If I’m going to do this, I want to dedicate myself to it 100 percent. I’m doing everything I can to be prepared for the races and be the best race car driver I can be.”

Muniz has made two career starts in the Truck Series. His most recent race was at Kansas where he finished 29th.