Actor and race car driver Frankie Muniz has been discharged from a hospital after being involved in a crash during practice laps at Daytona International Speedway.
The 40-year-old actor, known for his role in Malcolm in the Middle, was preparing for a Veterans Day charity race held Wednesday night at Daytona’s road course in Florida.
“I am disappointed that I cannot participate in Ford’s Proud to Honor event this evening,” Muniz expressed in a statement prior to the event. “I was eager to celebrate our veterans’ service and compete against these fantastic drivers.”
Muniz mentioned feeling a “little sore,” but noted that the Mustang he was driving did its job in terms of safety.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz stated. “A special thank you goes out to all who have reached out and offered their prayers.”
He and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were expected to represent Team Air Force in an exhibition race aimed at raising funds for six non-profit organizations that assist U.S. military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, as noted in a NASCAR announcement.
From Actor to Driver
Muniz garnered 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. His film credits include Big Fat Liar, Deuces Wild, Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes.
As stated on his website, Muniz stepped away 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 in the Formula BMW USA Championship and subsequently competed in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009. Muniz finished fourth in the 2009 championship standings, but an injury that ended the season 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 raced in 117 truck series events, achieving one Top 10 finish at Daytona in 2025.