Frankie Muniz exits Portland Xfinity race before qualifying, addresses mental state, plan to reevaluate

Frankie Muniz returned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday, where he planned to compete in the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway. However, that goal was short-lived.

During practice prior to qualifying for the race, where Muniz had to race his way into the show, his car blew an engine, prematurely ending his afternoon before it ever truly began. It’s a hard blow for Muniz to take, as he was exuberant at the prospect of racing in Portland, with some of the world’s best wheelmen.

Afterwards in the garage area, Muniz spoke to Amanda Busick of FOX about the moment and his future in the Xfinity Series, and it’s evident the disappointment is taking a toll on his confidence, as he attempts to look ahead.

“I don’t know,” Muniz told Busick, asked what was next for him in NASCAR. “I just, I’m gonna go home, and be with my son, and evaluate what I want to do, because like, I just keep taking hits, and it’s such a mental game. I’ve just got to be in a better mental state than I am right now to be to be competitive.”

That’s a pretty surprising and candid revelation from the driver, as it’s obvious he’s expecting more out of himself and his experience in the Xfinity Series. Still, Muniz was thankful for the opportunity to come to Portland and race, even if it ended up in smoke.

“No, I mean, went out, felt really good. Just trying to get up to speed,” Muniz said, regarding whether the car warned him or not. “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.”

We’ll see what the future holds for Frankie Muniz in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but hopefully this isn’t the last time we see him behind the wheel.