“Malcolm in the Middle” star Frankie Muniz says he 'may be at a new low' after setbacks as NASCAR driver

Frankie Muniz opened up about his current frame of mind on social media Monday. "If I'm being 100% honest... Mentally/emotionally I may be at a new low. Just wanted to say it out loud," the Malcolm in the Middle star shared on X. Muniz's admission comes after the latest setback he's endured in a string of disappointments tied to his participation in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The actor, who began competing full-time in NASCAR competitions in 2023 after developing an interest in racing in the early 2000s, suffered a major mechanical failure while competing in a race at North Carolina's Rockingham Speedway on April 18. He told NASCAR reporter Peter Stratta in a post-race interview that his truck's power steering line burst, leading him to "rip a hole in my hand" while trying to gain control of the vehicle. Though he started out the race strong, Muniz was forced to make a pit stop, costing him "17 or 18 laps." Still, once the line was repaired, Muniz rejoined the race and finished in 23rd place. "It's probably the hardest thing I've ever done," he said. Entertainment Weekly has reached out to a representative for Muniz. Muniz is best known as the titular star of the acclaimed Fox sitcom, which ran for seven seasons, from 2000 to 2006. After years of fan yearning and hopeful comments from former cast members, a Malcolm in the Middle revival is officially slated for development. Muniz will reunite with his sitcom parents Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek in the four-episode revival from the Emmy-winning original series creator, Linwood Boomer. Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Muniz participated in his first stunt car races in 2004, while Malcolm in the Middle was still on the air and he was only 18 years old. That year's Toyota Pro Celebrity Race, for example, pitted Muniz against stars like Sean Astin, Melissa Joan Hart, and Lil' Kim. He placed seventh, kicking off a second career that has lasted years longer than the time he spent dedicated solely to acting. "Ever since childhood, it's been my dream to pursue racing in NASCAR," he said in 2023, while announcing his new full-time spot with the Rette Jones Racing team. "I look forward to not only demonstrating my ability on the track and just how serious I am in progressing in my racing career, but also showing my son and family what it is to chase your dreams and reinvent yourself."