Frankie Muniz, once a household name as the star of the hit sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, is facing new challenges far from the television spotlight — this time on the racetrack. The 39-year-old actor-turned-race-car driver shared a candid and emotional update with fans on April 21, acknowledging a difficult period in his journey as a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor.
“If I’m being 100% honest… mentally/emotionally I may be at a new low,” Muniz wrote in a vulnerable post on X, formerly Twitter. “Just wanted to say it out loud.”
The post came just days after Muniz endured a frustrating outing at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina during the April 18 Truck Series race. Early in the event, Muniz experienced technical difficulties that ultimately took him out of serious contention. His frustration was compounded by physical pain — and emotional strain — caused by the incident.
“My power steering line burst, so I lost power steering,” Muniz told reporter Peter Stratta in a post-race interview. “I ripped a hole in my hand [trying to turn the wheel]. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Despite his determination to continue, the mechanical failure made it nearly impossible for him to compete effectively — yet another setback in what’s been a string of disappointing results since February.
Muniz has struggled to place within the top 20 in recent races. Since finishing an impressive 10th at Daytona on February 14, he has not finished higher than 21st. He acknowledged that despite aiming for top-20 finishes consistently, luck hasn’t been on his side.
“I’ve had bad luck for almost two years straight,” he said. “Our goal is always top 20.”
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Despite the rough patch, Muniz praised the team behind him, expressing gratitude for their continued belief in his potential as a driver.
“I really love them… They’re sticking with me, and I hope the fans do too,” Muniz said. “I hope they don’t turn on me.”
While many may still associate Muniz with his successful acting career in the early 2000s, his shift to professional racing has been years in the making. He previously competed in various regional and developmental racing series before committing full-time to NASCAR competition.
“I think at first, maybe people thought [racing] was just a hobby,” he told PEOPLE in a recent interview. “Then to have an actor jump in, it probably is a little odd. I get that. But you earn respect or the recognition as a driver and not just as an actor when you’re out there competing and beating them, right? That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Muniz’s latest struggles have clearly taken a toll not only on his physical endurance but also his emotional well-being. In his post-race reflections, he even shared a light-hearted but telling comment from his wife, Paige Muniz.
“My super supportive wife said, ‘Maybe it’s you, like, maybe you’re just not good,’” he admitted with a laugh. “So I hope people see that. I mean, people are going to say what they do, but you know we’re trying really hard.”
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Paige, who Muniz often credits as a major source of support, has been by his side throughout his career transition. Together, they share a three-year-old son, Mauz, whom Frankie affectionately described as “literally obsessed” with him in a recent PEOPLE exclusive.
“I feel bad for my wife,” Muniz joked in the interview. “He always wants to be with me, do everything I’m doing.”
Though the past few races have left him disheartened, Muniz’s resilience and passion for racing remain intact. His shift into motorsports has not been without its skeptics, but Muniz continues to challenge preconceived notions of what a professional driver looks like — especially one coming from a background as unique as his.
Since making the leap into full-time racing, Muniz has immersed himself in the sport, training rigorously, building relationships within the NASCAR community, and gaining experience behind the wheel. He made headlines last year when he announced he was pursuing a full racing career, proving it was not a publicity stunt but a serious endeavor.
“I know there are people who might say, ‘Oh, it’s just the actor trying something new,’” he said. “But I’ve been working for this. Every day, I’m trying to improve.”
Indeed, the journey from Hollywood to NASCAR has been anything but easy. While fame might have opened some doors, racing is a grueling, high-stakes profession that requires more than celebrity — it demands grit, skill, and relentless dedication. Muniz has made it clear he’s committed to putting in the work, even when the results don’t come immediately.
As he continues to pursue his dream on the track, Muniz’s transparency about the mental and emotional toll of professional competition serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face behind the scenes — especially those trying to redefine themselves in the public eye.
In the meantime, Muniz remains focused on the season ahead, determined to find his rhythm and prove he belongs among NASCAR’s elite drivers. He is expected to race again in the coming weeks, with fans and peers alike watching closely to see how he rebounds from his recent setbacks.
“I’m still learning,” he said. “I’m still growing. And I’m not giving up.”
