Frankie Muniz has announced his intention to return to racing next year, fueling talk about his upcoming schedule as fans eagerly discuss Frankie Muniz NASCAR 2026 plans. Despite facing setbacks in 2025, Muniz, known both for his Hollywood and racing careers, has confirmed his commitment to NASCAR and an ongoing relationship with Ford.
Muniz’s Tough 2025 Season and Road to Recovery
Frankie Muniz, once recognized worldwide for his starring role on “Malcolm in the Middle,” has been forging an impressive path as a professional racer. The 2025 season brought dramatic highs and lows for Muniz. After a promising start, his progress was suddenly halted late in the summer when an accident at home left him with a wrist injury, medically termed a distal radial fracture. The injury occurred when Muniz fell from a ladder while changing batteries in a security camera, forcing him, as a Reaume Brothers Racing driver, to sit out four consecutive race weekends.
This development prompted speculation across the NASCAR garage about Muniz’s future in the sport, particularly given that 2025 represented his rookie year competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Muniz, noticeably older than many of his competitors, could have called it quits, but he stayed determined. After his injury, he made a confident return to the racetrack at Talladega, demonstrating resilience and a recharged mentality.
Momentum, Setbacks, and Signs of Progress
Frankie Muniz launched his professional NASCAR career with momentum. Back in 2023, he finished an impressive fourth in the ARCA Menards Series standings. The following year, 2024, included two appearances in Xfinity Series events, and by 2025, fresh off a partnership with Ford, Muniz tackled the Craftsman Truck Series in the No. 33 Ford F-150 for Reaume Brothers Racing (RBR).
The early contests of the 2025 schedule showed promise, highlighted by a top-ten result. However, the remainder of the season yielded fewer highlights, with only two top-20 finishes—placing 14th in Michigan and 19th at Pocono. Through it all, Muniz’s passion for racing did not fade.
Muniz Addresses His 2026 NASCAR Plans
When speaking with Frontstretch journalist Michael Massie, Muniz was asked about whether his fans could expect to see him on the track in 2026. He responded without hesitation:
Yeah, 100%. I’ll be racing something for sure. Yeah, we’ll see. Can’t say too much.
– Frankie Muniz, Driver
Frontstretch highlighted Muniz’s recovery from injury and reaffirmed his intent to compete in NASCAR next year:
.@frankiemuniz expounded on his recovery from an injury and confirmed he’ll race in #NASCAR in 2026.https://t.co/8B3ODY72ig
— Frontstretch, Sports Media Organization
Details of the 2026 Truck Series lineups remain mostly unconfirmed, with even Muniz’s spot with RBR’s No. 33 truck yet to be officially finalized. The only established plan so far involves Brenden Queen, who will join Kaulig Racing and bring the Ram name back to the grid for the first time since 2012. For his part, Muniz says discussions are ongoing with Ford and that a return to the Truck Series—or a move to the Xfinity or Cup levels—are all possibilities. He shared the following about his options:
I’ve got a few options right now in different series, and just being honest, and you know, obviously, continue my relationship with Ford, and I’ll take whatever direction they want to push me. We’re discussing it all right now… But I would like to drive a truck again, so we’ll see.
– Frankie Muniz, Driver
While specifics are still being sorted out, Muniz did suggest that 2026 may be somewhat less packed than his recent season, allowing him to approach racing with renewed focus and energy.
Balancing Racing Ambitions and Hollywood Commitments
Before his foray into professional motorsports, Frankie Muniz was a household name, thanks largely to his portrayal of Malcolm on the beloved sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle.” The series, which concluded its original run in 2006, remains a cultural touchstone. News emerged that a reboot is planned for release in 2026, with filming reportedly taking place in 2025, drawing Muniz back into the world of television alongside his demanding NASCAR calendar.
This dual commitment pushed Muniz to the limit. Speaking on his busy lifestyle, he reflected:
It was a tough year, as far as schedule, just being crazy busy,
– Frankie Muniz, Actor/Driver (to Frontstretch)
Feeling the impact of juggling both his acting and racing careers, Muniz explained how he’s learned to better balance opportunities:
I learned that a little bit this year too, and I’ve got to learn how to say no a little bit more, just in general. I’ve learned that when you have opportunity, it’s good to say yes, because you don’t know when you’re gonna get that opportunity again. But I want to do this, and I really should be focused on that.
– Frankie Muniz, Actor/Driver (to Frontstretch)
The upcoming “Malcolm in the Middle” reboot is anticipated to release in April 2026, potentially landing squarely in the midst of Muniz’s next NASCAR campaign.
Ahead for Muniz: New Chapters in NASCAR and Entertainment
Frankie Muniz stands at a crossroads between the worlds of television and NASCAR, each demanding its own form of excellence. His journey from Hollywood celebrity to competitive race car driver has inspired fans, new and old, and his transparent approach to challenges—injuries, tough seasons, and a heavy workload—has endeared him even more to the NASCAR community and pop culture observers, including well-known organizations such as Kaulig Racing and Ford.
While team and series specifics are still being ironed out, Muniz’s excitement and commitment to his NASCAR ambitions are clear. The next racing season could see him continue with Reaume Brothers Racing or venture into other prominent NASCAR categories, with his relationship with Ford potentially shaping the direction of his career. At the same time, his return to “Malcolm in the Middle” ensures that his impact stretches far beyond the track, reinforcing his presence in both motorsports fandom and television history. With a less hectic year ahead and a renewed sense of purpose, fans can look forward to seeing how Frankie Muniz’s NASCAR 2026 plans—and his dual careers—unfold in the months to come.
.@frankiemuniz expounded on his recovery from an injury and confirmed he'll race in #NASCAR in 2026.https://t.co/8B3ODY72ig
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) October 22, 2025
