Frankie Muniz Hits Emotional Pit Stop Amid Racing Woes

I just downed my sixth espresso, and nothing jolted me more than Frankie Muniz admitting he’s at a “new low” mentally and emotionally after his April 18 race meltdown at Rockingham Speedway. The former Malcolm in the Middle star-turned-NASCAR Craftsman Truck driver spilled the tea on X (formerly Twitter) on April 21, confessing he “just wanted to say it out loud” that he’s struggling mightily in the wake of fresh mechanical mayhem.

Picture this: Muniz, 39, roaring down the track in North Carolina when—boom—his power steering line bursts, turning his wheel into a medieval torture device. As captured by Timothy L. Hale of ZUMA Press, Frankie quipped post-race to Peter Stratta, “I ripped a hole in my hand turning the wheel,” dubbing it “the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” Ouch, right? That one glitch pretty much knocked him out of contention before he could even find a groove.

Since his surprisingly solid 10th-place finish at Daytona on February 14, Muniz hasn’t cracked the top 21. He reminded PEOPLE’s reporter that “our goal is always top 20” but lamented a streak of “bad luck for almost two years straight.” The numbers don’t lie: 21st, 24th, 28th—you name it, he’s there. And while stats can be humbling, Frankie’s honesty on X is downright rare in the cutthroat world of motorsports.

Here’s the silver lining: he gushed about his pit crew like they’re superheroes. “I really love them,” he said, praising their loyalty amid his slump. His super-supportive wife, Paige Muniz, didn’t pull any punches either, teasing, “Maybe it’s you, like, maybe you’re just not good.” Talk about tough love at 150 mph! Frankie begged fans on X, “I hope they don’t turn on me,” reminding everyone that racing isn’t just about horsepower—it’s about heart.

And hey, let’s not forget the actor-versus-driver drama simmering beneath the helmet. People magazine notes he’s aware some folks thought his NASCAR gig was merely a hobby. But he’s determined to earn respect on the track: “You earn recognition as a driver…when you’re out there competing and beating them.” It’s clear Frankie’s chasing more than checkered flags; he wants validation that his second act isn’t just Hollywood sparkle.

So what’s next for Muniz? Will he conquer his demons (and that pesky steering line) at the next race? Can he transform frustration into fuel and finally crack the top 20? Stay tuned, because I’m already jittery for the next pit stop commentary. Seriously, my heart can’t handle much more—somebody pass the decaf!

Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
Timothy L. Hale/ZUMA Press
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed