Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz has been discharged from the hospital after being involved in a crash during practice laps at Daytona International Speedway.
The 40-year-old, known for his role in Malcolm in the Middle, was preparing for a Veterans Day charity race held Wednesday evening at the road course in Daytona, Florida.
“I am saddened that I won’t be able to participate in Ford’s Proud to Honor event this evening,” Muniz expressed in a statement prior to the event. “I had been eager to celebrate our veterans’ contributions and compete alongside these fantastic drivers.”
Muniz mentioned feeling a “bit sore,” but he acknowledged that the Mustang he was driving effectively protected him during the incident.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz stated. “A special thank you to everyone who reached out and offered their prayers.”
Muniz, along with NASCAR driver Austin Cindric, was scheduled to represent Team Air Force in an exhibition race aimed at benefiting six non-profit organizations that support U.S. military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, as stated in a NASCAR announcement.
From Actor to Racer
Muniz received an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his role in Malcolm in the Middle, becoming one of the most recognized child actors of his generation. He has also starred in movies such as Big Fat Liar, Deuces Wild, Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes.
As per his official website, Muniz took a break from acting in 2006 to focus on a career in professional race car driving.
Frankie Muniz is seen racing during qualifying for a NASCAR truck series auto race at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2025. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/The Associated Press)
He began his racing career by competing in the Formula BMW USA Championship and later transitioned to the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009. Muniz secured fourth place in the championship standings in 2009, but a season-ending injury led to multiple surgeries, according to his website.
In 2024, Muniz participated in 38 races each in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts series and the truck series.
Over the past three years, he has taken part in 117 truck series races, achieving one Top 10 finish at Daytona in 2025.