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Frankie Muniz Not Happy With NASCAR After Tough Day

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Feb 23, 2025 2:20 PM ET

Actor turned NASCAR driver Frankie Muniz had an unfortunate finish to his race at Atlanta on Saturday.

Muniz, who finished 10th at Daytona on Feb. 14, did not finish at the FR8 208 yesterday after crashing. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor was pushed out wide by Daniel Hemric before colliding with the outside wall, resulting in a Did Not Finish. Following the race, Muniz expressed his frustrations to reporter Peter Stratta.

The Malcolm in the Middle star contended that his fellow drivers still don't respect him.

“I'm not entirely sure. I thought we were running really good. I definitely don’t get respect out there — 100-percent. Nobody goes with me,” Muniz told Stratta. “I think someone put me three-wide and pushed me up into the car that was on my outside and we were out (of the race). I think we were close to the Top 10, which is a great showing for my team.

“I don’t think anybody expects us to run there, so the fact that we were there on merit, no lucky breaks. We raced our way up there. But I’m obviously upset because I felt like we were just cruising, you know what I mean? I was just trying to make it till the end because I knew we were going to be in a good position."

HAMPTON, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 22: Frankie Muniz, driver of the #33 NUGGETTRAP.COM Ford, gives a thumbs up to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Muniz is currently 16th in the early Craftsman Truck Series standings. The 39-year-old driver remains optimistic about the rest of the season and said he's hoping to change the perception of fellow drivers.

"I'm hoping to earn respect out there, you know what I mean? I hope with how tight I was racing people - and I was fairly clean the entire time - that'll be the case," Muniz said.

The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will resume with the Ecosave 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 14.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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