Frankie Muniz, the former Hollywood star who shifted gears to become a professional racer, will make his highly-anticipated return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026. Earlier believing that his racing days were behind him after the 2025 season, Muniz has confirmed he will again compete full-time, putting the spotlight on his unexpected comeback as part of his ongoing journey in motorsports.
Rejoining Team Reaume’s Lineup and Tackling Unfinished Business
Muniz is slated to drive the No. 33 Ford F-150 for Team Reaume for the entire NASCAR season. His announcement comes after a challenging previous year in which he missed four races due to an injury. Energized by the desire to complete what he started, Muniz reflected on his decision and his outlook:
“I thought I was done. I really did. Hung up the helmet, said
“that’s a wrap on racing. Then, I realized I’ve still got way too much unfinished business on track,”
he said.
This determination signals his intent to bounce back and prove himself on the racetrack once more.
Diversifying His Racing Portfolio with SRO GT4 America Series
In a bid to further expand his racing career, Muniz has also committed to a full season in the SRO GT4 America Series in 2026. Driving a Ford Mustang GT4 with Techsport Racing, he will share the car with Tyler Stone. This move reflects Muniz’s ambitions beyond stock cars, as he chases more podium finishes in partnership with both established and newly anticipated sponsors.
“We’re hunting podiums and we’re not asking nicely. Thrilled to have For the People and Aerial Titans back on board as well as many soon-to-be-announced new partners,”
Muniz said on social media.
He continues to seek more partners as his schedule intensifies, with a focus on maximizing performance across both series and preparing for a busy year that will also include a reboot of Malcolm in the Middle.
A Year of Intensity and Renewed Motivation
Looking ahead, Muniz shared how the pace of his upcoming season is unlike any he has experienced before, emphasizing both the challenges and excitement it brings:
“Busiest, craziest, most fun year of my life so far. I’m not just back… I’m all in. 2026, let’s gooooo,”
he said.
The thirty-eight races on his schedule, coupled with television commitments, indicate a packed and demanding year, making this stage of his life particularly energetic and complex.
Finding New Purpose Beyond Hollywood
At the age of forty and now living away from the entertainment industry, Muniz describes this phase as a fresh start, balancing his roles as a family man and athlete:
“I’ve got the best little family, the fastest chapter of my racing career ahead and a hunger I haven’t felt since I was that kid begging for one more take,”
Muniz said.
He further emphasized his relentless drive to keep competing and improving, sharing:
“This isn’t the finish line. This is engines on, green flag dropping.”
Continuing a Legacy of Entertainers Turned Racers
Muniz follows in the tradition of notable celebrities such as Paul Newman, Patrick Dempsey, and Steve McQueen, who all made successful transitions from acting to motorsports. Entering his fourth season in competitive stock car racing, Muniz began his professional journey in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023. His return to NASCAR and participation in the GT4 America Series underlines his significant commitment to racing and sets the tone for an eventful 2026 season.
Muniz’s resurgence highlights a rare blend of perseverance and versatility, as he embraces a renewed sense of purpose both on track and in life, making his NASCAR 2026 return a notable event for both the racing and entertainment communities.
I thought I was done.
I really did. Hung up the helmet, said “that’s a wrap” on racing… then realized I’ve still got way too much unfinished business on track.So here’s the news I’ve been dying to share…
I’m coming back FULL TIME in 2026.• Full season in the NASCAR… pic.twitter.com/itY2lWOy53
— Frankie Muniz (@frankiemuniz) December 8, 2025
