NASCAR drivers have a die-hard fan following, one that can even make any Hollywood star jealous. For most of the NASCAR world, Frankie Muniz Jr. is just another driver on the track, one of many chasing speed and victory. But for a handful of young racers, he’s something more—an unexpected blast from the past, a walking memory from childhood TV screens.

During a lighthearted conversation, Toni Breidinger, Rajah Caruth, and Ty Majeski found themselves unintentionally making Muniz feel, well… a little old. The former Malcolm in the Middle star, who made his full-time ARCA debut in 2023, is now sharing the track with drivers who grew up watching him on TV—though some needed a little help piecing it all together.

NASCAR Truck drivers recall different memories of Frankie Muniz Jr.

Breidinger, for one, took a minute to connect the dots. “I’ve seen the one where the guy turns blue in the pool. You know what I’m talking about? Sorry. It’s a Disney Channel movie. Which one was it? Oh, Big Fat Liar! Okay. Yeah, I’ve seen that. He was in that.” But Malcolm in the Middle? “That was a little before my time,” she admitted. Caruth, on the other hand, was more tactful, recognizing Muniz from Agent Cody Banks. But even as he acknowledged the actor-turned-racer, he couldn’t resist reminding him of the generational gap.

“I don’t want to make him feel old. He already said, like, Look, that show ended in 2006. There are guys who weren’t even born who I’m going to be racing against. Yes. Like, I think Dawson [Sutton] was born in 2005 or 2006.” For Muniz, who has worked hard to prove himself on the track, the nostalgic remarks probably come with mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s proof of his impact on an entire generation of kids. On the other, it’s a stark reminder that time moves fast—even faster than the cars they’re all driving.

Caruth tried to imagine what it would feel like if someone from his childhood shows made a similar career switch. “It would be like if somebody from Jessie or Ant Farm or Lab Rats, like someone I watched when I was younger, jumped into this career.” He even threw High School Musical into the mix, laughing at the idea of seeing Zac Efron suddenly strapping into a stock car.

Majeski, meanwhile, kept it simple. “I have watched Agent Cody Banks, never Malcolm in the Middle,” he said, acknowledging that Muniz’s journey into NASCAR is unique. “It’s cool to see people from different disciplines come into the sport. I think that’s good for everybody. It could bring in a different crowd of race fans, and I think that’s what it’s all about.”

This collision of pop culture and motorsports is a testament to NASCAR’s evolving appeal. Muniz is bringing new eyes to the sport, and his fellow racers—whether they watched him growing up or not—are happy to welcome him into their world.

After all, racing isn’t about how long you’ve been around—it’s about how fast you can go.

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Frankie Muniz is finally living his childhood dream

Frankie Muniz has played many roles in his career—child star, Hollywood heartthrob, and TV icon. But in 2025, he’s taking on his most daring role yet: full-time NASCAR driver. At 39, Muniz is preparing for the busiest year of his life, balancing the high-octane demands of NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series with a return to acting.

While he’s no stranger to performing under pressure, the race track presents a different kind of challenge. “This is the first year since I started racing again that I’ve had everything in place,” Muniz said. “I know it’s going to be a very competitive season. I feel like I have a lot to prove.”

Muniz, who made four Truck Series starts in 2024, has now secured a full-time ride with Reaume Brothers Racing. Though the team has struggled in the past, their new Ford Performance partnership gives Muniz hope. “RBR never had access to a simulator or the wind tunnel,” he explained. “Now that we are a Ford team, we get that access.” With extra preparation and support, Muniz is determined to show he belongs.

But racing isn’t his only big project. His new A.I. thriller Renner just hit theaters, and the long-awaited Malcolm in the Middle reboot is officially happening. Set to stream on Disney+ later this year, the revival reunites Muniz with Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek. Juggling filming and racing won’t be easy. “I’ll be flying Thursday, racing Friday or Saturday, and filming Sunday through Wednesday,” Muniz said. “It’s going to be a lot. But it’s a good thing to have to deal with.”

For Muniz, the challenge is clear: he doesn’t just want fans to tune in for the novelty—he wants to earn their respect.