Frankie Muniz Brands NASCAR New RAM Rule for 2026 “Pathetic”

Actor turned racer Frankie Muniz has shared his thoughts on NASCAR’s new provision that gives RAM a massive advantage at the start of 2026.

Frankie Muniz Brands NASCAR New RAM Rule for 2026 “Pathetic”

Frankie Muniz (Via @frankiemuniz/X)

The 2026 NASCAR Truck Series season will mark history, as the iconic Dodeg brand is set to return to the sport with their RAM Truck. They are set to field three cars in association with Kaulig Racing, with one of the three seats going to the driver who wins their racing reality show. The sanctioning body is doing everything they could to make life easier for the new OEM and Frankie Muniz isn’t a fan of it.

As part of these efforts, a new OEM provisional that will be enforced for the first three races of the season has been announced. The three RAM drivers will be given spots from 37th to 40th if they don’t qualify for the one of the first three races of the season. This means even if these drivers wreck in the qualifying, they make into the finale line-up at the cost of established part-time teams.

NASCAR has designated for the first three races, a “new OEM provisional” — obviously for Ram. In first three races, if an entry from new OEM doesn’t qualify, they get spots from 37-40th. Helps to get points until current season points kick in.

Bob Pockrass reported on X.

Hollywood actor turned racer Frankie Muniz, who is set to drive the No:33 Truck for Team Reaume, didn’t like this change a bit and was quick to share his frustration on social media. Responding to Bob Pockarss, reported he asserted that the rule change was pitiful.

So pathetic.

Frankie Muniz wrote on X.

Frankie Muniz and Bob Pockrass expose the issue with the new rule

Further reporting on the rule change, senior NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass explained the issue he has with the provision. He pointed out that the change gives the RAM driver an unfair advantage in the first three races as they can take more risks in the practice and qualifying without any actual consequences if things go south.

Frankie Muniz (via Imago)
Frankie Muniz (via Imago)

One issue (in my honest opinion) is if more than 36 trucks at first three races, Ram drivers can be more on edge in practice & qualifying b/c if they wreck, they still make the field. For others on bubble on owner points, they can’t take that risk — and could be slower in qualifying b/c of it.

Bob Pockarss wrote on X.

These comments got the attention of racer Frankie Muniz as well and he was quick to respond, sharing his opinion. He highlighted how RAM can just shift their whole focus to building a strong car for the race, giving very less attention to the qualifying as they have a guaranteed spot anyway.

The biggest thing is they don’t have to focus on building a fast car for qualifying. They can just focus 100% effort building a good car for the race, that handles better. Most teams [don’t] get that luxury.

Frankie Muniz responded.

Majority of the teams in the Truck garage can’t afford this luxury and this helps Kaulig to develop a better race car as the season progress. While the criticism is valid, NASCAR point in giving RAM the opportunity is rational as well. Let’s hope that infield politics won’t ruin the historic return of Dodge to the sport.

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