Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz has been discharged from a hospital after experiencing 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 that occurred Wednesday night 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 was eager to pay tribute to our veterans’ service and compete alongside these remarkable drivers.”
Muniz mentioned that he felt a bit “sore,” but credited the Mustang he was driving for keeping him safe.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz stated. “I particularly appreciate all those who have reached out and offered their prayers.”
Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were expected to represent Team Air Force in an exhibition race aimed at benefiting six non-profit organizations that assist U.S. military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, according to a NASCAR announcement.
From Actor to Driver
Muniz received an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his performance in Malcolm in the Middle, establishing himself as one of the most recognized child actors of his generation. He has also starred in films like Big Fat Liar, Deuces Wild, Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes.
As detailed on his website, Muniz took a break from acting in 2006 to follow a career in professional racing.
Frankie Muniz is captured 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 in the Formula BMW USA Championship and subsequently competed in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009. Muniz ranked fourth in the 2009 championship standings, but an injury that ended his season resulted in several surgeries, as noted on his website.
In 2024, Muniz participated in 38 races across both 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.