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 former star of Malcolm in the Middle was training for a Veterans Day charity race that occurred on Wednesday evening at Daytona’s road course in Florida.
“I am saddened that I will miss 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 against such talented drivers.”
Muniz mentioned feeling “a bit sore,” but noted that the Mustang he was driving effectively safeguarded him.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone at Ford Racing, Daytona International Speedway, and the hospital staff,” Muniz said. “A special thanks to all who have reached out and for the prayers.”
According to a NASCAR release, Muniz and NASCAR driver Austin Cindric were scheduled to represent Team Air Force in an exhibition race that supports six non-profit organizations dedicated to aiding U.S. military and veteran communities through the Proud to Honor Fund.
From Actor to Racer
Muniz earned an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his role in Malcolm in the Middle and was among the most recognized child actors of his generation. He has featured in films like Big Fat Liar, Deuces Wild, Agent Cody Banks, and Racing Stripes.
As stated on his website, Muniz took a break from the entertainment industry in 2006 to focus on 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 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 multiple surgeries, according to his website.
In 2024, Muniz competed in 38 races each in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and trucks series.
Over the past three years, he has participated in 117 truck series races, achieving one Top 10 finish at Daytona in 2025.