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 took place on Wednesday night at the road course in Daytona, Florida.
“I’m 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 race. “I was eager to pay tribute to our veterans and compete alongside these incredible drivers.”
Muniz mentioned he felt “a bit sore,” but indicated that the Mustang he was driving successfully protected him during the incident.
“I want to extend my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz remarked. “I especially appreciate all those who have reached out and offered their prayers.”
Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were scheduled to represent Team Air Force in an exhibition race that benefits six non-profit organizations supporting U.S. military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund, according to a NASCAR announcement.
Transition from Acting to Racing
Muniz received an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his performance in Malcolm in the Middle and was among the most recognized child actors of his generation. He has also featured in films such as Big Fat Liar, Deuces Wild, Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes.
As stated on his website, Muniz took a break from acting in 2006 to focus on his career in professional racing.
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 went on to compete in the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009. Muniz secured fourth place in the 2009 championship standings, but an injury that ended the season led to several surgeries, according to his website.
In 2024, Muniz participated in 38 races each in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts series and the trucks series.
Over the past three years, he has taken part in 117 truck series races, achieving one Top 10 finish at Daytona in 2025.