Frankie Muniz Sidelined from NASCAR Ride Following Injury
Frankie Muniz’s dream NASCAR season has hit an unexpected roadblock. The former Malcolm in the Middle star, who has been making waves in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this year, will not be behind the wheel this weekend at Darlington Raceway after suffering a wrist injury in a household accident.
Muniz, now 39, has been enjoying his first full-time NASCAR Truck Series campaign with Reaume Brothers Racing. His season began with a promising top-10 finish at Daytona International Speedway, showcasing just how far he has come since transitioning from Hollywood fame to professional motorsports. Unfortunately, his momentum will be paused for the next several weeks after a fall at his home in Arizona left him with a fractured wrist.
The Accident That Changed His Weekend
On Wednesday, Muniz shared that he fell from the top of a ladder while changing batteries in his backyard security camera. The mishap resulted in a distal radius fracture in his wrist. With a recommended recovery period of six to eight weeks, doctors have sidelined him from competition until he’s medically cleared.
Taking to social media, Muniz shared his frustration but also expressed gratitude that the injury wasn’t worse. “I’m disappointed to share that I won’t be racing at Darlington this weekend or for the next few weeks due to a distal radius fracture,” Muniz wrote. “Note to self: heed the ladder warning that says, ‘Do not sit or stand on top step.’ In hindsight, a taller ladder would’ve been smarter.”
He went on to thank his team and supporters, adding, “While I’m gutted to miss the races, I’m grateful it wasn’t worse. I feel for my team, who’ve poured their hearts into this season, and I’m thankful for Ford Performance and their unwavering support.”
Replacement Driver Named
With Muniz unable to compete, 20-year-old Mason Maggio will step into the No. 33 truck for this weekend’s race at Darlington, South Carolina. Maggio has been gaining experience across various NASCAR divisions and now gets a chance to prove himself on a big stage.
Reaume Brothers Racing confirmed Muniz’s injury and emphasized their support for the driver’s recovery. In an official statement, the team said, “Frankie Muniz was involved in an accident at his home in Arizona yesterday morning where he suffered a distal radius fracture in his wrist. Currently, there is no timeline for his return, our focus is on a speedy recovery and competing together again soon.”
From Hollywood to the High Banks
Muniz’s journey into racing has been as compelling as any Hollywood script. After becoming a household name as the child star of Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006), Muniz pursued open-wheel racing in the Atlantic Championship starting in 2007. More recently, he transitioned into stock car racing, running a full ARCA Menards Series schedule in 2023 where he recorded 11 top-10 finishes in 20 races. That success earned him his current seat in the NASCAR Truck Series.
This year marked his first full-time campaign at NASCAR’s national level, and he had already begun proving himself capable of adapting to the sport’s toughest challenges.
Looking Ahead
Although the timing is unfortunate, Muniz is determined to return stronger once he’s healed. His estimated recovery window suggests he could be back before the end of the 2025 season. For now, his focus remains on getting healthy and supporting his team from the sidelines.
For fans who have followed Muniz’s remarkable transition from Hollywood actor to professional racer, this setback is only a temporary detour in his journey. If his career path has proven anything, it’s that Frankie Muniz knows how to reinvent himself and keep pushing forward.