‘Malcolm In The Middle’ Star Celebrates Top 10 Finish In NASCAR Race

Actor Frankie Muniz has made his mark in the racing world after finishing in the top 10 on Friday in his fifth NASCAR truck series race, a support event at the Daytona International Speedway that led up to the main event, the Daytona 500, on Sunday.

The 39-year-old, best known for his starring role in the FOX TV sitcom “Malcolm in the Middle” which ran from 2000-2006, initially came in 11th place but ended up being bumped into the 10th after Parker Kligerman was disqualified because his truck did not meet the minimum post-race height requirement.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better. I think this truck was so fast,” the actor told Fox Sports after the race. “I know I have to prove myself here.”

Frankie Muniz on 11th-place finish: “This is great. This is awesome.” @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/FdotcNLxMC

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 15, 2025

“Last year, I didn’t have the opportunity to do that. And not that this fully does that,” he added. “This is great. This is a step. Hopefully, I earn respect. I’m in the Ford technical meeting with the other drivers, and… even though we’re manufacturer teammates… I still don’t think they know what I can do or not.”

“I want to earn their respect,” Muniz continued. “And the only way to do that is to do it on the track. I’m happy. This was, this was great. This was awesome.”

With a “Malcolm in the Middle” reunion series in the works, Muniz will attempt to balance his truck series schedule, which includes 25 more races through November, with his production work. Producers have given him some flexibility, though, agreeing to film Sunday through Wednesday, allowing the actor to race Thursday through Saturday.

President Donald Trump attended the Daytona 500 on Sunday and the crowd went wild as he took a lap around the track in The Beast before the race began.

President @realDonaldTrump leads the field out of the pits in "The Beast" at the 2025 Daytona 500. pic.twitter.com/m1GOWOVCEv

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 16, 2025

FOX Sports later posted other clips of Trump speaking with NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Greg Biffle.

Last weekend, Trump attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.

Related: Trump Takes A Lap At Daytona 500, ‘Spirit’ Of What Will ‘Fuel America’s Golden Age’