Kyle Larson makes strong statement about Frankie Muniz amid criticism, garage side-eyes
Frankie Muniz is currently in the middle of his first full-time season in the NASCAR Truck Series. The actor turned racecar driver is committed to racing, he told Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times, though he still faces criticism and accusations of being nothing more than a weekend warrior.
Muniz found time to tape a “Malcolm in the Middle” reunion miniseries that will stream on Disney+, thanks to the Truck Series not being active every weekend. Some have claimed that Muniz is using his Hollywood earnings to fund his racing career. Muniz put an end to that rumor.
“I don’t spend any of my money going racing,” Muniz said. “I made a promise to my wife that I would not do that. So, I can kill that rumor right there.”
2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson defended Muniz against the criticism. Larson, who started in trucks back in 2012, said that Muniz belongs.
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“Anybody racing in any of the three series has talent and ability enough to be there,” Larson said.
Frankie Muniz experiencing growing pains in first NASCAR season
Muniz, 39, still has much to learn. He sits 24th in the points standings through 16 races, finishing a season best 10th in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Muniz previously had success in the ARCA Menards Series, finishing fourth in the 2023 points standings.
Right now, Muniz pilots the No. 33 Ford for Reaume Brothers Racing. RBR is a small operation, and team owner Josh Reaume has complained about the cost of racing. According to the LA Times report, it can cost $3.5 million or more to field one competitive truck throughout the 25-race season.
Larson wants to see Muniz succeed. He hopes he finds himself in a better situation in the future.
“I just hope that he can get into a situation someday where you can really see his talent from being in a car or a truck that is better equipped to go run towards the front,” Larson said. “You want to see him succeed because if he does succeed, it’s only going to do good things for our sport.”