NASCAR has implemented a number of rule changes for the 2026 season of its top three circuits and former TV star turned driver Frankie Muniz has some strong thoughts about them.
Late last week NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass revealed that NASCAR has a new rule for original equipment manufacturers (OEM) - which will basically only apply to Ram trucks - where their entries will be given 37-40th place starting positions if an OEM entry doesn't qualify. This will apply to the first three races of the 2026 season.
"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," Pockrass wrote on Friday.
To which Muniz simply replied, "So pathetic."
A deeper issue
Muniz wasn't done though. When Pockrass explained why this new rule could be problematic, Muniz pointed out that it gives Ram an unfair advantage since they only need to focus on a car that handles well as opposed to one that goes fast.
"One issue imho 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," Pockrass wrote the next day.
"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 find get that luxury," Muniz wrote.
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Nobody likes rules that benefit one team which no one else can use.
Even if this is just a one-time thing and won't affect Ram beyond those first three races, fans are not going to forgive the powers that be if this blows up in their face.
Five Ram trucks will be driven by Kaulig Racing drivers in 2026, one of which will feature the legendary Tony Stewart behind the wheel. Muniz drives a Ford for Team Reaume.