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Frankie Muniz blows engine, towed off track during NASCAR Xfinity Series practice in Portland

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•06/01/24•

SamraSource

Frankie Muniz Daytona
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Frankie Muniz is returning to the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend, running the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway on Saturday afternoon.

Prior to this evening’s race, Muniz and the rest of peers are running some practice laps before qualifying. However, Muniz’s start to the afternoon has gone up in smoke, as his engine has seemingly failed him during practice, and his car was towed off the track, leaking fluids after coming to a stop.

Check out the photo below, shared to X by @Skewcar, as you can see Muniz’s car simply couldn’t go on, and now their status for the rest of Saturday is up in the air, literally and figuratively.

Moreover, Seth Eggert of Kickin’ The Tires provided some context on the challenges Muniz is facing on Saturday, “@frankiemuniz’s @J_G_Motorsports’s No. 35 sits 36th in owner points amongst the 39 cars entered. Muniz very likely has to qualify on time to make the @portlandraceway race.”

Afterwards, Muniz spoke to Amanda Busick of FOX about the moment, and whether there was any warning from the car when it blew.

“No, I mean, went out, felt really good,” Muniz began. “Just trying to get up to speed. I know there was two cars behind me, going on the back straight-away, so I just lifted to kind of let them go, and then coming down the front-straight, just the motor seized, going into the brake zone. So I don’t know what could have happened.

“I mean, obviously I’m pretty upset. We needed luck on our side today anyway, to make the race. You know, I knew we needed to get in on time, which I think I could have done. But it’s actually not even get the opportunity. You know what I mean? I don’t know. I’m thankful for Ford, for giving the opportunity. It’s been a rough first three starts in the Xfinity Series for me, but I’m lucky to be here, and I’m happy to be here.”

Of course, that’s a tough break for Frankie Muniz and the No. 35 Ford team. We’ll see what the future holds for the wheelman in the Xfinity Series moving forward.