Frankie Muniz decided to not compete in Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at New Hampshire. His teammate Luke Baldwin, who failed to qualify for the event on Friday, replaced Muniz in the No. 33 Team Reaume Ford.
Muniz, actor-turned-NASCAR driver most known for his role as Malcolm in Malcolm in the Middle, believed Baldwin being behind the wheel would be the best opportunity for the team to run well.
Because Baldwin failed to qualify, Muniz wanted to give his younger teammate an opportunity to race.
Frankie Muniz explains New Hampshire absence
In a statement released by Team Reaume, Muniz explained his decision to step aside for Saturday’s Team EJP 175.
Muniz praised Baldwin’s talent and said the 20-year-old did everything in his power to qualify for the event. Unfortunately, it did not work out. The 40-year-old did not want Baldwin to be on the sidelines, however, and decided to give up his spot for Saturday’s race.
“Sitting him out when we have a qualified truck that can put him in the field doesn’t make sense for anyone. I’m giving up my seat because I believe it gives the 33 team the best chance to compete for the most available points this weekend. Luke’s speed and his ability to run up front when he gets a clean run is what this organization needs right now. I’ll be in the pits cheering him on,” Muniz said.
In the same release, Baldwin expressed gratitude for Muniz’s decision and added that it was a choice his older teammate did not have to make.
“Frankie didn’t have to do this. He has a full-time ride and every right to keep it. This is a huge opportunity, and I’m going to treat it that way. The 33 team has been working hard all year. I want to go out there, stay out of trouble, and bring home as many points as we can for everyone who made this possible. Thank you, Frankie,” Baldwin said.
Unfortunately for Baldwin, he did not get a chance to show much in Saturday’s race. After being involved in a crash on the opening lap, Baldwin found himself multiple laps down and out of contention for a quality result.
A look at Frankie Muniz’s 2026 season
Muniz ranked 25th in Craftsman Truck Series points prior to Saturday’s Team EJP 175 at New Hampshire. The driver of the No. 33 has posted an average finish of 25.6 and earned a best finish of 16th in the season-opener at Daytona.
After competing in four Craftsman Truck Series races for Team Reaume in 2024, Muniz moved to full-time competition in 2025. Muniz competed in all but three races during the 2025 campaign, scoring a best finish of 10th in the season-opening race at Daytona.
Muniz finished the 2025 season 26th in the points standings.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
