Frankie Muniz Released From Hospital After Daytona Practice Crash

Actor and professional racing driver Frankie Muniz was released from a hospital following a practice-lap crash at Daytona International Speedway.

The 40-year-old star of “Malcolm in the Middle” crashed his Mustang Dark Horse car during practice for the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic, a benefit exhibition race scheduled for Wednesday night on the speedway’s road course.

Practice Crash at Daytona International Speedway

Muniz was second-fastest in the practice session when he crashed nose-first into an infield tire barrier, destroying the front of the vehicle. Rescue workers had to cut away the car’s roof to remove him from the wreckage before he was transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation.

His racing team, Team Reaume, shared an update on social media while he was being evaluated. “Frankie Muniz was involved in an incident while practicing for today’s Proud to Honor event at Daytona International Speedway,” the team said, adding that he was taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation and is awake and alert.

Ford Racing Drivers Compete for Veteran Nonprofits

The Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic brought together 12 Ford Racing drivers split into six teams to compete head-to-head in Mustang Dark Horse cars, with each team representing a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Muniz and Austin Cindric were scheduled to represent Team Air Force in the exhibition event, which benefits six nonprofits supporting military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund.

The event also featured musical performances by the Zac Brown Band, Russell Dickerson, Jo Dee Messina, Brittney Spencer, and Warren Zeiders. The entry list for the exhibition race included names such as Joey Logano and Logan Sargeant, while entertainment coverage said that Muniz’s on-screen father from his sitcom days, Bryan Cranston, was expected to attend the race in support of him.

Following the crash, Ford factory development driver Jenson Altzman replaced Muniz for the race. The event also lost Ryan Blaney, who withdrew from the lineup after requiring medical attention for a fall earlier in the week.

Hospital Release and Driver Statement

By Wednesday evening, Muniz had been released from the hospital. He released a statement addressing the incident and expressing his disappointment over missing the charity race.

I am disappointed I won’t be able to take part in Ford’s Proud to Honor event tonight. I was looking forward to honoring the service of our veterans and racing against these other amazing drivers. I am a little sore, but my Mustang did its job in protecting me. I want to thank everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway and the staff here at the hospital. I especially want to thank everyone who has reached out and for all the prayers.

Frankie Muniz, via ESPN

Muniz has anchored Team Reaume’s No. 33 Ford in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series over the last two seasons, following earlier full-time competition in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023. Earlier this year, he also captured the GT4 America Am championship title alongside co-driver Tyler Stone.

Best known for starring as Malcolm Wilkerson in the hit Fox comedy “Malcolm in the Middle” from 2000 to 2006—which earned him an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe Award nominations—Muniz took a hiatus from the entertainment world in 2006 to pursue professional racecar driving, competing in the Formula BMW USA Championship and the Champ Car Atlantic Championship from 2007 to 2009.

In addition to his sitcom work, his television career includes voice roles in “The Fairly OddParents” and “Moville Mysteries” as well as appearances in films such as “Big Fat Liar,” “Deuces Wild,” “Agent Cody Banks,” and “Racing Stripes.”