NASCAR drivers are celebrities, but it’s a sport that changes celebrities to drivers too! We all know the great Country musician, the visionary Marty Robbins. The man loved racing so much that he competed in Cup Series races from 1966 to 1982. However, he was an early outlaw racing pioneer too. His cars were maintained by Cotton Owens Garage and despite his on-track rivalries with Richard Childress, he saved him from a devastating crash! But, do you know how he inspired a movie?
In 1967, Will Zens, the visionary director worked with Robbins in the movie ‘Hell on Wheels’. It is the story of a stock-car racer and mechanic getting his country music star brother interested in racing. Fans who know can imagine him in a ‘White Sport Coat’ and a ‘Pink Carnation’, showing up on the raceway later. Sounds hilariously close, right? But, not as close as Frankie Muniz, the ‘Miracle in Lane 2’ child star setting his foot more firmly in NASCAR than Marty Robbins!
Passion, love, and racing for Frankie Muniz
“The one amazing thing about [NASCAR] that I love, definitely compared to being an actor, is it’s not subjective,” Frankie Muniz has been living a dream most of us can only imagine. At 39, he’s not just a former child star but a full-time NASCAR driver, racing the No. 33 Ford F-150 for Reaume Brothers Racing in the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series. He swapped Hollywood’s bright lights for the roar of engines, a shift he calls “a dream 20 years in the making,”. Muniz has been open about his love for racing. For him, racing isn’t about opinions it’s about results. And he’s been chasing those checkered flags with gritty determination.
On March 24, 2025, Frankie Muniz posted on X, “Just started watching Malcolm in the Middle episode 1. Got 151 to catch up on before we start filming again in a few days!!! Can’t wait to get back together with my old family.” After 19 years, Muniz is stepping back into the chaotic world of the Wilkerson family for a Malcolm in the Middle revival on Disney+. The show, which debuted in 2000 and snagged a Peabody Award, is returning for four episodes, set to film in Vancouver in April, according to Vancouver Sun. The story will center on Malcolm returning home for his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. “We start filming actually in April, actually, so just prepping for that. It’s gonna be an absolute blast” said Muniz.
Just started watching Malcolm in the Middle episode 1. Got 151 to catch up on before we start filming again in a few days!!! Can’t wait to get back together with my old family.
— Frankie Muniz (@frankiemuniz) March 24, 2025
This revival is a big deal for Muniz, who became a household name as the child prodigy Malcolm. But it’s bittersweet. In an interview, he shared a struggle: “Man, I don’t remember what happened in 2001” which even ignited his amnesia rumors. Despite this, he’s excited to reunite with his on-screen family, a sentiment that resonates with fans who grew up laughing at the show’s quirky humor. Muniz teasing the return, stirring up nostalgia for a sitcom that broke the mold with its fourth-wall-breaking gags.
His NASCAR journey has been surreal at times. After a strong Daytona result, he shared a heartfelt moment, “I stayed in Daytona for Saturday and Sunday. Sunday for the [Daytona] 500, We were walking on the grid and the amount of Cup drivers and, you know, Jeff Gordon and everybody… Came up to me, and they obviously knew the result, and they’re like, ‘Oh, Congrats’! It felt really good to be, I don’t know, just to have a positive result.” Muniz has been grinding through ARCA and Truck Series races, earning respect the hard way. Fans have rallied behind him, buzzing with support on social media, from Charlotte meet-ups to cheers for his Reaume Brothers Racing debut. For Muniz, this isn’t just a career shift it’s a reinvention.
Muniz’s story is one of heart and hustle. From racing at Nashville Superspeedway to revisiting his Hollywood roots, he’s living proof you can chase two dreams at once. The kid from Malcolm in the Middle finally is racing in NASCAR! For Frankie, the finish line is just another starting point. But, the number of wrecks and spins he had to go through to reach the checkered flag is insane!
Journey from struggling to find even one sponsor to having multiple now
Frankie Muniz’s shift from Hollywood to NASCAR hasn’t been easy. The Hollywood star turned racer opened up about his struggles, saying, “It’s been really hard to get sponsorships,”. Even with his fame, Muniz faced rejection after rejection. He shared in 2023, “I probably reached out to 500 companies… I got one response back.” That grind was real, but Muniz never gave up. He promised, “I will 100% be racing next year,” and he kept his word, stepping up to the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Reaume Brothers Racing.
Fast forward to March 2025, and Muniz’s persistence paid off. He landed a major sponsorship with Ryder, a giant in trucking and logistics. “It’s an honor to represent Ryder,” Muniz said. Ryder’s Vice President of Marketing, Stephanie Wicky, added, “Frankie brings an incredible work ethic, determination, and passion for excellence—qualities that resonate with our brand.” The deal brought Muniz’s No. 33 Ford F-150 to life, debuting at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Days earlier, Muniz secured another big win—a four-race sponsorship with Morgan & Morgan, a $1.5 billion law firm. “Never thought I would make partner of a law firm@forthepeople! Nevermind partner with America’s Largest Injury Law Firm! As someone that watched every episode of “Suits”, I know how big of a deal it is to have your name on the wall (Even if it’s handwritten in for now). @DMorganESQ and I are basically besties. Can’t wait to race the Morgan & Morgan & Muniz truck this Friday night in Las Vegas and a bunch of other times during this NASCAR season.” he shared on social media. The partnership, starting at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, also included a charitable donation to the Henry Ford Children’s Hospital.
From struggling to find sponsors to racing with major backers, Muniz’s journey is inspiring. For a kid who grew up on TV, Muniz is proving he’s got what it takes to shine on the track too. We’re cheering for you, Frankie!
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