Frankie Muniz’s first full season in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was shaping up as one of the sport’s more interesting storylines. The former Malcolm in the Middle star, who left Hollywood for NASCAR, had already turned heads with a top-10 finish at the season opener in Daytona. He kept finding ways to compete inside the top 20 despite racing with Reaume Brothers Racing, a team not known so much for running up front. But just as his momentum was building, his season was abruptly interrupted, leaving fans eager to see his return.
That pause came from something no one saw coming. In late August, Muniz fell off a ladder at his home while swapping batteries on a backyard security camera. The accident left him with a broken wrist and sidelined him from Darlington and the weeks that followed. Doctors put his recovery window at six to eight weeks, meaning several races would pass him by. The longer he stayed out, the louder the chatter grew around his return date. After this weekend, Muniz finally gave fans a clearer idea of where things stand, leaving fans more concerned for his return than eager.
On September 20, Muniz shared on X that, “Hopefully today is the last [NASCAR Trucks race] I’ll be watching from my couch this year. Hoping I’ll be healed up for the Roval, if not, see you in Talladega.” That message has shifted the spotlight to NASCAR’s upcoming schedule. The Charlotte Roval, a tight road course, comes first, followed by the high-speed chess game at Talladega.
Both races pose their own challenges for a driver still testing the strength and flexibility of his wrist. But fans are concerned either event would mark a nervous moment if he can climb back in the No. 33 truck.
The reality is that the doctors might clear him. But Muniz will need to prove he can handle the physical demands of steering and braking for hours at a time. Still, his attitude has been nothing short of determined. He has the willingness to push for a comeback this quickly, and his fans are rallying behind him.
On Twitter, though, some have voiced their concerns about this news. There’s a debate on whether this would really be the right time for him to make his comeback.
Fans weigh in on Muniz’s NASCAR return
The Roval, a demanding road course with heavy braking zones and sharp turns, is not an easy place for any driver coming off a wrist injury. That is why one fan joked, “You might wanna skip that lol.” Behind the humor lies a real concern. The track’s physical demands could put Muniz at risk of aggravating his fracture if he rushes back too soon.
Others kept their reaction simple and positive. One wrote, “Looking forward to seeing you back!” That straightforward message reflected the anticipation surrounding Muniz’s comeback. Not just for his results but for the energy and visibility he brings to the series. For many fans, his presence alone has been a bright spot. The eagerness in this response shows the goodwill he has built up in only his first Truck season.
Some fans used the moment to blend humor with advice. One message read, “Patience FMuniz & hire someone to take care of those ladder tasks. We need your presence in Nascar Truck racing.” The reference to his accident drew attention to the bizarre circumstances of his injury, while the suggestion of patience highlights the need to prioritize recovery. At the heart of the comment is the belief that Muniz has become valuable to the series. Overall, the avoidable risks off the track should not interfere with his racing career.
For others, concern outweighed excitement. A fan planning to attend the upcoming road course event wrote, “I’ll be at the Roval. Hope to see you but I don’t want you to hurt your wrist again at that track.” This captured the tension between wanting to see him back in person and fearing a setback on such a demanding circuit. It reflected how even the most enthusiastic fans are mindful of the risks involved, and how much they want him to think long-term about his health.
Finally, some chose to highlight the bigger picture of his journey. One message read, “Your undying passion for the sport is lovely to see, keep it up buddy.” This fan was not focused on the next race or the recovery timeline but on Muniz’s visible love for the sport. It showed that many people value his determination as much as his performance. His attitude in the face of setbacks has become a source of inspiration.
Taken together, these reactions showed that there is excitement to see Muniz return. At the same time, fans were just as invested in his well-being as they are in his results. The responses reveal a community that wants to see him succeed, but not at the cost of his health.