Frankie Muniz, the former child star who won hearts as the lead in Malcolm in the Middle, is living his childhood dream in 2025 as a full-time NASCAR driver. At 39, Muniz is preparing to pilot the No. 33 Ford F-150 for Reaume Brothers Racing in the NASCAR Truck Series, all while juggling the much-anticipated reboot of the beloved sitcom that catapulted him to fame.
The actor-turned-racer has been vocal about his passion for motorsports, which began long before his days on the small screen. Muniz started racing professionally in 2006, gradually building a serious career on the track. After a standout 2023 in the ARCA Menards Series, where he notched one top-five and 11 top-10 finishes, Muniz caught the attention of Ford Performance, earning opportunities in Xfinity races before landing a full-time seat in NASCAR’s Truck Series.
But as Muniz embraces his motorsports ambitions, he’s also gearing up to return to the role that made him a household name. Balancing the demands of racing with filming the Malcolm in the Middle reunion series will push Muniz into uncharted territory, but he remains unwavering in his commitment to NASCAR.
Racing over acting: Muniz prioritizes NASCAR dream
In a candid interview with Fox Sports, Muniz revealed how deeply his passion for NASCAR runs, even as Hollywood calls him back. Despite the logistical challenges, he emphasized that his racing career comes first. “They [the producers] are working around my NASCAR schedule,” Muniz explained. “We’re filming Sunday through Thursdays, with me getting Thursdays off to fly to race Friday, then flying back Saturday to film Sunday through Wednesday.”
This grueling schedule reflects Muniz’s dedication to achieving success in motorsports while honoring his legacy as one of TV’s most recognizable stars.
The path to NASCAR: From ARCA to Trucks
Muniz’s journey to NASCAR’s Truck Series has been marked by perseverance. His 2023 season in the ARCA Menards Series showcased his growing talent, with consistent top finishes proving he could compete at a high level. His performance earned him a spot in Ford Performance’s development program, where he impressed during select Xfinity races. Now, with Reaume Brothers Racing, Muniz is ready to take on his first full-time NASCAR season.
“I’ve poured so much into this dream,” Muniz said. “It’s incredible to finally have this opportunity to race at this level.”
Balancing the spotlight: The Malcolm factor
While Muniz is laser-focused on racing, the Malcolm in the Middle reboot remains a significant part of his life. Fans of the iconic sitcom were ecstatic when the reunion was confirmed in late 2024, marking a nostalgic return to the show’s dysfunctional family dynamics. However, Muniz acknowledges the tightrope act of managing two demanding careers.
“Filming and racing back-to-back will make my April pretty interesting,” Muniz joked. But his passion for both pursuits shines through, proving that his love for acting and racing runs deep.
The road ahead
As Muniz gears up for a high-octane 2025, he embodies the spirit of chasing dreams relentlessly. Whether he’s tearing up the track in his No. 33 Ford or stepping back into the shoes of Malcolm, Muniz is committed to excelling in both arenas.
NASCAR fans and Malcolm in the Middle enthusiasts alike will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this remarkable double act. Muniz’s ability to balance the two worlds will be a story worth watching, proving that you can chase multiple passions—and succeed.
