Actor and racecar 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 benefit race in honor of Veterans Day that occurred Wednesday evening on Daytona’s road course in Florida.
“I am saddened that I won’t be able to participate in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight,” Muniz expressed in a statement prior to the event. “I was eager to pay tribute to our veterans and compete alongside such incredible drivers.”
Muniz reported feeling “a bit sore,” but noted that the Mustang he was driving did an excellent job of safeguarding him.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz stated. “I especially appreciate all those who reached out and offered prayers.”
Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were 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 release.
From Actor to Driver
Muniz received an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his performances in Malcolm in the Middle and was among the most recognizable child actors of his era. He has also appeared 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 professional racecar 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 competing in the Formula BMW USA Championship and later participated in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009. Muniz finished fourth in the championship standings in 2009, but a season-ending injury led to several surgeries, according to the website.
In 2024, Muniz participated in 38 races in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and truck series.
He has taken part in 117 truck series races over the past three years, achieving one Top 10 finish at Daytona in 2025.
